Samantha Alvarado
MEd Curriculum Studies, Place-based and Sustainability Education

"I remember wondering which path I should take when I was applying for college - Science or Education - and I would have loved to have had the opportunity to talk to an ambassador from COE all those years ago."
Hometown
Mililani, O‘ahu
Department
Curriculum Studies
Related Degrees
- MEd, Curriculum Studies: Place-Based & Sustainability Education
Why did you choose to pursue to pursue MEd Curriculum Studies, Place-based and Sustainability Education program?
I’ve always wanted to be an environmental educator, but right out of high school everything was quite new and there wasn’t a perfect path. I took a course in the college of education during my previous Masters program (Environmental Management) and I fell in love with the College of Education. When I learned about the Master’s in Place-Based Education and the Certificate in Sustainability Education I was so excited. Moreover, the professors were extremely supportive, the research supported my endeavors as a classroom teacher, and the classes were the best I’ve ever taken. While I was taking 1 COE class per semester, I felt so drawn to the College of Education and I knew this is where I was meant to be. The professors I met, Dr. Smith, Dr. Maunakea, Dr. Taira, among them were critical in my decision to apply. They are so passionate about helping their students, all students and educators really, and they helped me to think about education and research in a way I never had before. They are what really solidified my choice of program.
Why did you want to be a Social Media Ambassador for your program?
I’ve taken courses across 27 different departments in the UH system, and the College of Education houses nearly all of my top courses I’ve taken in the past 9 years. I would like to represent the College of Education, and my program in particular, because I am already a strong advocate for the College of Education and Curriculum Studies department, and this would give me a better platform to share my experience with others. I remember wondering which path I should take when I was applying for college – Science or Education – and I would have loved to have had the opportunity to talk to an ambassador from COE all those years ago. I would also like to serve as a role model for other minority girls out there that look like me. I am the first in my family to pursue a graduate education, and because my parents primarily did their college schooling online, I did not have anyone to turn to about college questions. My family stressed the importance of college but didn’t tell me how to get there or what to do once I arrived. I think that a lot of other local kids share this experience, and people assume since they’re staying home they are at an advantage or know what to do – but that’s not really the case, college is a new challenge for everyone, and everyone faces unique obstacles to make it to, and through college. I would like to offer support, recommendations, and inspiration to anyone interested in studying education.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I was an ambassador for the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) during both my Bachelors and Masters Degrees, during which time I traveled to other islands, represented the college at events, served as the colleges MC for conferences, competitions, & banquets, helped coordinate student life activities, aided in student recruitment, and received leadership training. I am a full time teacher during summer session at Punahou for the PUEO Program serving public school students from Title I Schools. I am also currently lecturing for the Tropical Plant and Soil Science (TPSS) department in CTAHR this semester. I have served as a GSO representative as well as the VP of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for TPSS. I also previously ran the CTAHR Grow With Us Mentorship Program and worked with Middle School, High School, and Collegiate students. Iʻm passionate about helping others on their academic and professional journey.