"I have a strong desire to watch over children who are in special education to be sure their needs are not being overlooked."

Hometown

Pahoa, HI.

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Special Education (PBSPED) Initial License

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

I grew up in academia with a family of teachers, and in fact I am a fourth generation teacher. My great-grandfather was a teacher, my grandfather was a teacher, my father is a professor, and here I am. I recall at a very young age sitting in my father’s lectures and witnessing the impact he made on his students firsthand. Moreover, my aunt and uncle are professors and another uncle is a teacher, and I have heard their stories as well.

When I first graduated college I was actually not sure what I wanted to do. But I did know that I wanted to do something with my life where I can make a positive difference in the world. And I am very good at working with people, so I knew I wanted to be in a position that would utilize my people skills and emotional intelligence and such for helping people.

As I did some soul searching on what my path ahead might be, I reflected on my memories with my dad impacting his students’ lives, and also my grandfather’s stories about his students. Also, my aunt and uncle who are professors have shared their love and passion of teaching with me, and I get excited about being able to have this as my path as well. To be able to watch children learn and grow, and guide them and set them up for success, feels like a wonderful fit for me.

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

Combined with my overall desire to choose a profession that is focused on helping people, I chose to be in special education because of my own experience in special education as a student. I did not have the best experience. I was placed into special education in 2nd grade, and from 5th grade on I was in a fully self-contained classroom setting for my core subjects. I grew up feeling that I should be in regular education classes, feeling under-stimulated, and wanting more of a challenge. I kept feeling like I was missing out, and looking back I very much was. I was not given the education that I deserved.

I have a strong desire to watch over children who are in special education to be sure their needs are not being overlooked. In my case, I was not being stimulated and challenged enough, and for other children they might be over stimulated or challenged in ways they are not ready. I want to be a caring adult in their life that looks out for them.

Furthermore, I believe that working with the keiki is one of the most important roles we can play in creating a positive future world. I believe Aristotle and Socrates agreed on this too.