La primera en...

As a first-generation American, first generation college student and soon-to-be first in my extended family to receive a Master’s, education is extremely important and valued in my household. Ever since I can remember, I heard my mother's voice telling me how important school was and how necessary it is to graduate college. To her, an education meant power in this country and a college degree meant employment. While this idea is not the same for everyone, for my mother it's the only way she sees the world, and the only way to overcome poverty. My mother had the opportunity to complete two semesters of college before having to work full-time and then moving to the United States. She values the determination, structure and drive required to do well in school. Keeping all this in mind, there is no doubt my mother influenced me in my career choice.

I grew up stating I would be a doctor, but mid-way through my college career, I realized I did not enjoy my science courses meanwhile thrived in my language courses and volunteer experiences. My mothers care for others and willingness to always learn and grow was passed on to me, and as a result my decision to teach came to be. As an only-child I definitely felt the pressure to be successful and exemplary and in my first two years of teaching, nothing has made me happier than helping others. Not only helping students self-advocate, but also helping them grow in the language and helping them work with one another. Being a Latina teaching Spanish is particularly important for me because it allows me the opportunity to share a piece of my story, my family and identity in the classroom. It also provides a platform for me to tell students that it is okay to not be an expert on all Spanish-speaking countries, but to value and understand the importance of recognizing every country is different and has its own history. Moreover, my travel opportunities have allowed me to share different stories with students about my experience. I believe it is particularly reassuring for students to recognize that I am still learning and growing in the language, and that while I am a native speaker and Latina, I still encounter new words, idiomatic structures and vocabulary when I travel. I believe this is reassuring for students who fear making a mistake in the language.

Educators have the power to make a difference in students, and my power is to be a role model for students who are the first in their families to graduate. Additionally, I help students become more aware of Spanish-speaking countries, history, traditions and culture. The beauty of teaching is always learning and growing as things change. My role as a native speaker who continues to learn her native tongue is to inspire other bilingual students, and to help educate students learn a different language and potential advocate for others in their respective fields.

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