“I felt the opportunities we had in the field really helped to shape my teaching practices.”

Hometown

Honolulu, Hawai‘i

Departments

School of Teacher Education - Elementary; Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd, Exceptional Students & Elementary Education

Where are you currently teaching?
I teach first grade at Noelani Elementary School

Did you always know you wanted to become a teacher?
I knew I enjoyed working with children, so I knew for sure that I would be involved in this field that I chose.

Why did you choose to pursue the ESEE program in particular?
My parents are both in education, and they advised me to pursue the dual program to have a wider perspective of education. I knew the program itself was changing the year I would be enrolling, so I was excited and open to trying out what new opportunities the program had to offer.

What was the best part of the program for you?
I felt the opportunities we had in the field really helped to shape my teaching practices. In addition, having such supportive advisors and professors really helped the whole journey in such a positive way that I felt I was really ready and prepared to step into my own classroom.

In what ways do you hope to make a difference in the field of education?
I would like to see my students grow and learn, and I want them to have positive experiences in the classroom that they will remember as they move through many more years of schooling in their future.

How did the COE help you along your way to becoming a teacher?
The professors were all knowledgeable in a variety of fields and experiences, which really impacted my learning as I was able to see and gain support through many different perspectives and areas of expertise.

What are your future plans?
I would like to pursue leadership opportunities in the future as well as continue to grow as a teacher. I may even look into trying new grade levels.