"I would be excited to showcase the unique aspects of the College of Education and what makes it such a special place to prospective students and the broader community."

Hometown

Redlands, California

Department

School of Teacher Education - Elementary

Related Degrees

• BEd, Elementary Education & Multilingual Learning

Why did you choose to pursue to pursue BEd, Elementary Education & Multilingual Learning program?

I chose this program because it immerses students in the field from day one, allowing us to observe and teach in real classrooms right away. The integration of student teaching into the program is another key reason for my choice, as it allows me to graduate with my teaching license in just four years, rather than needing an additional semester of student teaching after graduation, as many other programs require.

I also appreciated how I could easily obtain a dual license by taking just a few extra classes, expanding my qualifications. The structure of this program has made me feel incredibly prepared for student teaching and confident that I will be ready to manage my own classroom upon graduation.

Another aspect I value is having an advisor who supports a small cohort throughout the two-year program. This personal guidance has been critical as we navigate the complexities of becoming educators.

I specifically chose the dual MLL program because I am passionate about advocating for students whose first language is not English. I want to ensure they receive the same high-quality education as their peers and aren’t left behind due to language barriers. Teaching has always been my dream, and I have long wanted to work with children to help them reach their highest potential. This program aligns perfectly with my goals and provides the support I need to become the teacher I’ve always aspired to be.

Why did you want to be a Social Media Ambassador for your program?

I would love to be a Social Media Ambassador for the College of Education at the University of Hawai‘i because I’m passionate about spreading the word on how transformative this program has been. The College of Education has not only shaped me as an educator but has also given me the confidence and practical skills to feel fully prepared for when I step into my own classroom one day. I believe sharing my journey could inspire others to see how this program sets future teachers up for success.

Additionally, I miss the creativity involved in making content, whether through videos, graphic design, or storytelling, and this role would allow me to reconnect with that passion. I would be excited to showcase the unique aspects of the College of Education and what makes it such a special place to prospective students and the broader community.

Furthermore, I’m eager to take on a leadership role where I can actively contribute to the college and connect with others who share my enthusiasm for education. Serving as a Social Media Ambassador would be a great way to represent the program and help highlight how it equips future educators like me to make a difference.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

I am currently a substitute teacher for the Honolulu School District, subbing every Friday for elementary schools. This experience gives me a unique perspective as I am exposed to various classroom environments, teaching styles, and diverse groups of students. The flexibility required to adapt to different classrooms on short notice has strengthened my classroom management skills and ability to connect with students quickly. It has also deepened my understanding of the daily challenges teachers face, which informs my approach as a teacher candidate.