"I believe that our childhood creates the foundation for the rest of our lives, and I hope to help students express their creativity and individuality while providing a safe and productive learning environment."

Hometown

Honolulu, HI

Department

School of Teacher Education - Elementary

Related Degrees

• BEd, Elementary Education

How did you become interested in the field of education?
I have been interested in education since I was an elementary school student myself. I believe that our childhood creates the foundation for the rest of our lives, and I hope to help students express their creativity and individuality while providing a safe and productive learning environment.

Where do you work?
I am a Hawaiʻi Department of Education substitute teacher, and I also work as a private tutor for elementary students. I also have my own business, called R Planet, which I started with my twin sister. We are an online store and offer a range of earth-friendly home and lifestyle products that are sustainable alternatives to conventional products.

How has the COE impacted or benefited your career path?
The COE has created a foundation for me to establish my career path. The program places us in different schools with mentor teachers each semester, and it has been very insightful to learn about different classroom environments and teaching styles. I am able to apply my learning and be in an actual classroom, which helps me to feel more prepared for my career. The COE program also provides various learning opportunities for students that are helpful to expand our knowledge and experiences.

Is there anyone in particular who inspired you to pursue a career in education?
Growing up, my mother homeschooled my six siblings and me. I never realized it at the time, but my admiration of my mother has grown each year, especially as I prepare to teach. All of my previous teachers have also been an inspiration to help me understand the importance of teachers and how valuable education is. They and current teachers have guided and cared for my overall well-being and growth, and I hope to be able to do the same for my students.

What are your future plans with your degree?
After I graduate, I plan to teach in the Honolulu district at a public elementary school.

On the Fulbright-Hays–Group Projects Abroad program…

The Fulbright-Hays program is for educators with an interest in Filipino studies. I aim to immerse myself in experiences and opportunities that can help me to expand my understanding and multicultural awareness as a future educator. The Fulbright Hays Group Projects Abroad is a seminar-training workshop at De La Salle University, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines. The four-week program consists of intensive language immersion in basic Tagalog-based Filipino and education of Indigenous cultural heritage, including classes on Filipino speaking, language, culture, psyche and society, faith, economy, and more. I look forward to the program and hope to gain resources and experiences to empower not only myself, but also my students, to be active and involved in their communities and cultures.