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I have lived in Berkeley my whole life, however I was born at the UCSF Hospital...so I'm a commuter baby!

My parents immigrated with my brother when he was 3-years old from El Salvador and had me 4 years later.

I went to 4 Berkeley Schools.

I have worked far (South SF, Brentwood, and Mill Valley), and near (Berkeley).

I wanted to be in the Medical Field, but always volunteered at schools at a young age. It took some time to realize my passion to be an educator.

Family and Education are very important to me. It has always been my mom, my dad, my brother, my grandmother, and me. Then my husband came and our first child.

We lost my grandmother and brother to COVID January 2021. My son is named after my brother to honor him.

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I went to Sylvia Mendez Elementary (formerly known as LeConte Elementary). I was born in SF and my FIRST language is English.

My father talked to me in Spanish, my mother in English, but I would respond in English. I understood both languages, not until I went to El Salvador did I felt more comfortable to speak Spanish too.

In first grade, it was determined by the school I was an ESL student. I was never tested, they just assumed I was due to my parents Native language.

I would be pulled out of class during Math and Writing time. Made to practice small words...to this day I sometimes hate the word BANANA. This for some reason was a word the ESL teacher loved to go over.

I could never test out of ESL. 4th grade my mother wrote a letter to take me out. So they did.

My 3rd grade teacher tried to fail me, but I had the TA advocate that it was the teacher who was not teaching me. So my 4th/5th grade teacher took me in and during the summer before 4th grade tutored me. MS. GEARRING.

She is my inspiration and my goal as an educator as she was also my advocate.

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I went to SF State and it just was not for me.

I felt alone, dumb, and sad.

I went for a year and regret it. In high school I wish they would tell you about placement tests for Math and English. This discouraged me as I do not test well. I did not pass my Math and had to start from Pre=Algebra.

I didn't really know anyone and the commute was hard. Never take an 8 am class if you have to commute lol. I would take BART and fall asleep and a few times ended up at the SFO airport and miss my Chem Class.

I eventually told my parents it wasn't working and that I wanted to go to Berkeley City College.

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I struggled even at BCC (Berkeley City College), was working full time, then was failing so much I was on probation for two years I couldn't' take classes or take classes at another college and get my gpa up. I ended up just working then finally going to Skyline College in San Mateo.

What pushed me to actually finish my degree was a job I had in South San Francisco. I was making a lot of money, but it was not worth it. I was not happy and one of the higher ups had it out for me. It made me realize I was better than this and needed to get my degree.

It was a huge struggle, but I advocated for myself towards the end of Community College.

I advocated by:
1. Telling my parents I did NOT want to be in the medical field. I wanted to be an educator. They finally supported this.
2. 2015/2016 I asked to be evaluated as I was struggling with school.
3. I was tested and received services to support me in class. This let me graduate pretty much with a 4.0 (if the other semesters didn't count)

I continue to use my accommodations to further my education.

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What type of learner am I? Why did I place this between Community Colleges and Cal State East Bay?

I did not really know there were types of learners. When I learned what type I was it felt like every thing clicked for me. I didn't feel as dumb, as lost, or as different.

I am Kinesthetic and Visual Learner. I have to see and do.

What type are you? Knowing your type will help you advocate for yourself and know what works and what doesn't.

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I was at Rosa Parks Kids' Village after School Program for about 4 years before I was promoted to the Director of the program. I was offered the position my last semester at Cal State East Bay.

Here is where I thrived and grew so much. I feel like this was where I was able to put in my knowledge and also learn about various accomidations and how to advocate for those who can not.

I pride myself in always being there for my kids. I had a strong bond with the kids and also trust. It also helped that I got to know the teachers so they trusted me and valued my input.

I continue to check on my kids who leave here and I try to help them when I can or at least give them advice, encouragement and praise.

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I started at Holy Names University for my teaching credential, however as the school closed i had to find a new home. Dominican University made it a smooth transition and very welcoming! I am currently at Dominican University working on completing my teaching credential!

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I can't wait to teach my students and have them enjoy learning. Especially for my students who are down on themselves. I want to give them the courage and the tools to thrive even if they or others might not believe in them.

Sometimes you just need that one person to change or click something in your mind.