# data[].attributes.body
Parents and students, welcome to 4th Grade! My name is Juliana Ledesma so you can call me Ms. Ledesma. I am 24 years old, and I am so excited to be your 4th-grade teacher this year. I hope I get to know you all the better throughout the school year and also get to know me. Since it can take time to know Ms. Ledesma, I hope this timeline can give you an idea of my background and personality. Enjoy it!

# data[].attributes.body
I was born and raised in Mexicali, Mexico. I lived in a rural area called Progresso, which was far away from the city. However, I lived relatively close to the mountains (cerros). I lived there until I was seventeen years old. Then I moved to Calexico, California, to continue my studies. However, I still go on the weekends to visit my family and friends in Mexicali.

# data[].attributes.body
My educational journey started in preschool. I attended kindergarten in my rural area, which was very close to my house. The preschool's name was JN 1994 Año Internacional de la Familia. I liked going to kindergarten because I could play with other children there. Since I did not have neighbors and cousins my age, it was the only place where I could play with friends my age.

# data[].attributes.body
In elementary, I attended Primaria Educacion Y Progreso, located in my neighborhood in Mexicali. In elementary, I got to do folklore dances for the "kermes" (like a family event). I liked that my school did those events because every classroom had to dance in front of other students and parents. There were also many snacks and food stands to fundraise money for the school's needs. So it was a delighted event when families got together to eat and see the students perform.

# data[].attributes.body
I attended my neighborhood's junior high school "Belisario Dominguez #39". Even though it was a school with very few resources and bad buildings, the teachers did a fantastic job teaching. Many of my teachers there were inspiring because even when experiencing low salary wages and no support from the school, the teachers always showed a positive attitude toward the students. Junior High is one of the places I hold dear to me because there, I got to know many amazing people and teachers.

# data[].attributes.body
Before moving to the United States, I attended the High School "Cetis 18" for one year. The technical career I got into was electronics, where I learned how to make electronic circuits and also turn on led lights from scratch. I also learned how to make a small car toy that moved with a battery. Unfortunately, after many years I forgot how to do it again. I hope one day I can try again since it was so much fun getting to experiment with electronic tools.

# data[].attributes.body
When I was seventeen years old, I transferred to Calexico High School. It was a completely different environment from what I was used to. I struggled a lot because of the language barrier since I only knew Spanish. However, I got to know three teachers that always motivated me and helped me through the process of loving my new school. Those three teachers were my inspiration to become a teacher. They showed me a teacher's positive impact on a student's life. Thanks to them, I am now your fourth-grade teacher. I hope I can also make an impact on your lives!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alternative Education Blanche Charles Elementary Calexico High School Cesar Chavez Elementary Dool Elementary Enrique Camarena Junior High Jefferson Elementary Kennedy Gardens Elementary Mains Elementary Rockwood Elementary William Moreno Junior High

# data[].attributes.body
I attended College at Imperial Valley. The language barrier took me some time to graduate with my associate's. However, I got to graduate in 2020 with honors in Liberal Studies! I did not let the language keep me from my dream of becoming a teacher. I became a first-generation college student in my family.

# data[].attributes.body
In May 2022, I got my BA in Liberal Studies at SDSU! After two years in university, I was finally one step closer to becoming a teacher in elementary education. As a first-generation student, I was so proud of myself. Of course, there were ups and downs, but I did it! I must admit it was a thought journey, but everything was worth it.

# data[].attributes.body
My family and I are from Mexicali, but my grandparents are from Guanajuato and Michoacán. I came from humble beginnings, and I am really proud of that. My grandparents migrated to Mexicali at a young age to raise their family with better opportunities. Unfortunately, I do not know the beautiful places they told me about numerous times in their stories, but I hope one day I can see them with my own eyes. It would be amazing to experience the roots my family came from.

# data[].attributes.body
My family consists of my parents and two oldest siblings. Our family is really close, and even when my oldest siblings are married, we still make time to meet on the weekends. Now we are a big family of ten. When we have reunions, we do carne asada in the backyard, and we spend all day playing and eating. This is why Ms. Ledesma is always excited about the weekends!

# data[].attributes.body
As I said before, I came from a family of humble beginnings. My dad and mom were field workers for many, many years. I am grateful to them because they could sustain my siblings and me thanks to their hard work. My parents taught me always to be thankful for what I have. I am very proud of them because they made everything in their hands so my siblings and I could have a good life.

# data[].attributes.body
These are Lulu and Pinky! Sadly, Pinky passed away one year ago. I had her for thirteen years; she was very old. She loved to play with her toys. Now I only have Lulu with me and I hope I can find a companion for her, so she does not feel alone. Lulu is a very cheerful dog. She does love to play in the grass and roll over it. I love my dogs, and they are part of my family. They are like my little babies.

# data[].attributes.body
I like this Mexico video because it highlights my culture's beauty. Even though I migrated to the United States, I am really proud of being Mexican. Every time I watch this video, I want to visit every state in Mexico, try the food, the traditional dresses, and the beautiful places Mexico offers. Indeed, Mexico is not perfect, and it has its negative sides like every other country. However, not everyone is terrible, as many people portray them. This is why I like this video because it represents that Mexico is also a country of beauty and traditions.

# data[].attributes.body
One tradition my family holds every year for every family member is to have a piñata at the birthday party. No matter how old we are, we still get a piñata. I think this tradition makes birthday parties more fun for adults and children. Watching my family members get excited about the candies inside the pinata is always fun. Even adults get serious and excited to get the most candies possible. Pinatas made some beautiful memories of my family and me.

# data[].attributes.body
One holiday we celebrate every year is "Dia de Reyes". Every January sixth, my family buys a big rosca like the one in the picture. We prepare hot chocolate or coffee and get a piece of rosca. The rosca has mini toys inside in the form of a baby. The one who gets the mini baby is responsible for making tamales on February second. It is fun to watch everyone avoid the baby and not make tamales.

# data[].attributes.body
I love to do everything it has to do with crafting! I like to do DIYS I see on the internet in my free time. I love to be creative, and I am constantly decorating my things. When I go shopping, I always have to stop at the arts and craft section because there are never enough crafting supplies! You will notice that Ms. Ledesma loves to do hands-on activities and promote creativity in the classroom, so be prepared!

# data[].attributes.body
I love going to amusement parks! Seeing the beautiful attractions, eating delicious food, and riding the rollercoasters is always exciting! I especially love thematic amusement parks like Knotts Berry Farm or Universal Studios. It is even more incredible when it is Halloween or winter. I wish I could go more often, but it is a long ride. Still, when I have time, I try to go and have some fun!

# data[].attributes.body
When you get to know me more in class, you will notice that Ms. Ledesma loves to listen to music! Unfortunately, I do not play any instrument, but I wish to play the piano one day. In the meantime, I have to listen to music every day to have a happy day. I like many genres like pop, rock, banda, k-pop, j-rock, and ballads. So, be prepared to listen to some of Ms. Ledesma's playlist!