"...with diversity also comes new perspectives and creativity, which is so important for a class to run successfully."

Hometown

Honolulu, O'ahu

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd in Special Education

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

I have always envisioned myself working in schools, to some extent. But when I was in high school I realized I have always have a huge soft spot for middle schoolers, because it’s the starting place of finding out who you are and want to be! I am a big believer that you become who you are around, and I would love to be in those students communities as their teacher one day! And be someone who can cheer them on and continue to remind them how important they really are! I have had many of these people in my own life, and this has impacted who I have immensely. And I truly believe teaching is where I’m supposed to be!

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

I’ve always grown up around people with disabilities. My parents worked and volunteered at Special Olympics when I was young and I remember they had many close friends who had different disabilities, and I always saw these people with all kinds of abilities as role models.Then in high school I joined a peer mentorship program, where I would attend classes with a SPED student and quickly fell in love with it! I think many of this kids are told daily what they can’t do or what they aren’t good at! But I want to be a reminding voice that they are able and can do whatever they want, they are full and complete people no matter the disability! And that they can hopefully be a role model to other people with disability and those who are neurodivergent!

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

I think diversity is so important because at the end of the day we are all so different, whether it’s our skin color, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, etc. But I think it is SO important that we are surrounded by all of these things because it will help you grow as a person and learn to appreciate these differences! Specifically it’s important in the classroom because with diversity also comes new perspectives and creativity, which is so important for a class to run successfully.