Amazed. Absolutely amazed. That is one word describing how I want to feel about my students daily. Amazed at not only what they can do but amazed at who they are. After all, great teachers learn from their students. In my teaching career, I plan on inspiring my students by forming relationships and helping them become their best selves. I am a Catholic Christian and I love to spend time with family and friends, play soccer, hike, and take photos. I am most happy when I am surrounded by people I love, and I strive to find joy in everyday battles. I am half Cuban and I am more thankful and proud of my heritage today than I ever was growing up. I am proud not because of anything I have done, but because I realize the true love and sacrifice my grandparents and parents made for me. Both of my parents are teachers, and I am following their footsteps because of the way they change students' lives for the better. I plan on inspiring my students by being a warm demander, which includes having high expectations. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I was blessed with warm demander parents and grandparents who love me unconditionally while wanting me to do my best in all things. The very seldom “chancla throwing” was not disheartening for me. Yes, I was disciplined, but my parents spent the majority of the time encouraging me and my siblings to build our lives on what matters most- love, joy, humility, kindness, generosity, patience, and leading by example- which are all qualities of a great teacher. While research-based teaching techniques will be utilized in my classroom to inspire, I will also focus on and delight in students’ interests and passions. I will be slow to speak and quick to listen. Rita Pierson once said, “every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” No matter their background, ethnicity, or motivation level, I plan to lead students through joys and struggles. I am honored and humbled to go into this profession, and I know I can change the world by choosing good, one step at a time or "poco a poco" as my Abuelita would tell me. I am determined to be what I was made to be: a champion.

Amazed. Absolutely amazed. That is one word describing how I want to feel about my students daily. Amazed at not only what they can do but amazed at who they are. After all, great teachers learn from their students. In my teaching career, I plan on inspiring my students by forming relationships and helping them become their best selves. I plan on inspiring my students by being a warm demander, which includes having high expectations. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I was blessed with warm demander parents and grandparents who love me unconditionally while wanting me to do my best in all things. The very seldom “chancla throwing” was not disheartening for me. Yes, I was disciplined, but my parents spent the majority of the time encouraging me and my siblings to build our lives on what matters most- love, joy, humility, kindness, generosity, patience, and leading by example- which are all qualities of a great teacher. While research-based teaching techniques will be utilized in my classroom to inspire, I will also focus on and delight in students’ interests and passions. I will be slow to speak and quick to listen. Rita Pierson once said, “every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” No matter their background, ethnicity, or motivation level, I plan to lead students through joys and struggles. I am honored and humbled to go into this profession, and I am determined to be what I was made to be: a champion.