"It is important for teachers and students to be exposed to differences every day, so that we can learn to work together, and learn to understand each other."

Hometown

Wai'anae, Oahu

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd in Special Education

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

I participated in a family-child interaction learning preschool (Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture) when my son was 2 years old. It’s basically where a caregiver attends preschool alongside with their child. I was able to play, connect with other parents and learn from the teachers. I learned skills and strategies to teach my own child. I fell inlove with teaching. I love being an important part in children’s lives. Eventually I became a teacher’s aid in the classroom and they paid for formal learning. I went on to get my CDA and then my AS in ECE.

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

My philosophy: I believe all children are unique, have different learning styles, and develop differently in general, even without learning disabilities. When children have learning disabilities, they need extra support. It will be very hard for individuals to sit in a classroom with their peers and not get the attention and specialized plans made specifically for them. I want to become a licensed special education teacher because my philosophy is that all children learn differently, it is natural for me to want to work with children where they are at developmentally and provide them education accordingly.

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

Diversity is important because that is how we learn about ourselves and the world. It is important for teachers and students to be exposed to differences every day, so that we can learn to work together, and learn to understand each other.