"I want to serve as an example and be able to inspire them to be kind, polite and empathy towards others."

Hometown

O'ahu, HI

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd in Special Education

Why did you choose to become a teacher, in general?

My desire to work with children and have a positive impact on their lives led me to pursue a career in teaching. I want to help students flourish into this world who uphold their values and cultural beliefs into their adulthood. I want to serve as an example and be able to inspire them to be kind, polite and empathy towards others.

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to become a teacher after earning my associate’s degree, but I still wanted to be among students. I took a break and started working with students who were autistic as a skills trainer. That job taught me so much in a short period of time and transformed me as a person. The most exciting thing about working with students with various disabilities in a classroom was that it made every day unique and engaging. I came to the realization that I was good at what I was doing and that I was enjoying my career for the first time.

Why do you feel it is important to have diversity in the classroom?

As Hawaii remains a melting pot of several cultures, It would be best fitting that students have teachers who look like them. This is why diversity in the classroom is critical. Growing up, the teachers I had were either White or Japanese, I had only one Filipino teacher in all the years I attended a public school in Hawaii, yet this teacher had a significant influence on my desire to become a teacher in the future. Because of that one teacher who resembled my ethnic background, I was comfortable to approach her with any of my concerns. She understood my home life more than anyone could and made learning exciting.