Personal Background: I'm a Mexican-American punk rock bookworm who's originally from Orange County, CA. I come from a huge family and I'm the oldest of seven children, who range from the ages of 2 to 19 years old- so I'm used to a lot of noise and chaos! My siblings originally inspired me to become an educator, and they continue to push me to fight for an equitable, relevant and rigorous education system. I'm a first-generation college student, and while I miss my complicated family tremendously, I love the community that I have found here in downtown San Diego. I am constantly inspired by the activism of everyday people who selflessly fight for equality, anti-racism and social justice within our institutions. I'm so excited to bring this creative fortitude into my classroom community, and to explore great works of literature and other artistic mediums from a multitude of backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. In my free time, I like to take long walks through downtown SD, read graphic novels and different kinds of literature, analyze pop culture, watch live music and roller skate.

Educational Background: I wanted to escape my complex home as soon as I turned 18, so despite out-of-state tuition costs, I spent my first 2 years of college at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. I majored in English and double minored in Film and Writing, wrote for the film beat in the Vanguard, and volunteered at the Women's Resource Center. However, I soon realized that I could not keep scrambling for money to pay for my education. So I moved back to California and attended San Diego City College's Honors Program for 2 years. I then earned a full ride to the University of California San Diego, and it is here that I earned my B.A. in Literature with an emphasis in Cultural Studies and a minor in Education. During my undergrad I was a mentor and intern for the PATH program (Preparing Accomplished Transfers to the Humanities), as well as an embedded writing mentor for AWP (Analytical Writing Program). Most recently, I earned my Master's degree in Education and Single Subject English Credential at UCSD as well!