ASU Graduation Pictured is my sister Maggie, my mom Lupe, and my brother Daniel.
MY WHY
I grew up in a small West Texas town, and my educational journey was initially marred by a lack of confidence. This was partly due to not speaking English when I started kindergarten, which led to insecurities and feelings of unworthiness. If teachers or peers suggested I couldn't do something, I believed them and gave up. However, this narrative of self-doubt and limitation would later change.
In the summer of my sophomore year, I took a bold step, approached my math teacher, and asked if I could attend summer school to learn Algebra 1. I was determined to conquer this giant! I worked hard and excelled, bidding farewell to the fundamentals of math. It was a moment of triumph, a testament to my resilience and determination.
Despite all of the negative experiences in school, my mother had a tremendous influence on my life. She impressed my siblings and me with the importance of attaining a high school diploma and continuing to college. She often told us that an education would open doors for a better future. You see, my mom grew up in Torréon, Mexico, and because her mom couldn't afford to buy her school supplies or the required uniform, she dropped out in the 3rd grade to help support the family. Fortunately, my mom met my dad when she was 18 and moved to the United States, where he resided.
I remember the day she became an American citizen. We were so proud of her. My mom worked hard to achieve that goal. She loves our country and is so thankful!
My role as an educator is an opportunity to impact students' lives just as my mom did mine. Students will succeed when you uphold high expectations, love them, and influence them to believe in themselves. One of my favorite quotes is "Decide to Succeed and Discover that Nothing is Impossible for You!"