“I want to be the teacher that I needed when I was in elementary school, and I hope to shine a light on the next generation.”

Hometown

Kalihi, Oʻahu, HI

Departments

Special Education; School of Teacher Education - Elementary

Related Degrees

• BEd, Exceptional Students & Elementary Education

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Kalihi and love the community and its diversity! I aspire to teach there to give back to my community and uplift the students within Kalihi!

How did you become interested in the field of education?

Initially, I sought a degree in special education (K–6) because I have always wanted to advocate for students with disabilities. However, through my research, I discovered the ESEE program that sparked my interest. This program taught me how to diversify my teaching methods to meet the needs of all students. I have learned how to differentiate instructions and create a positive learning environment for my students regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Do you work or participate in any clubs or organizations in or outside school?

During my time in college, I have actively participated in various events, including speaking at a seminar with HIDA and speaking in college classrooms and conferences. Additionally, I am a member of SMAP, through which I share my experiences and raise awareness about the College of Education on social media. As part of SMAP, I have attended several conferences, participated in a panel at Leeward Community College, and taken part in a college fair at Farrington High School. Lastly, I am a part of the Hawaiʻi CEC Newsletter where I find a student to showcase for the month through video interviews and writing about their achievements!

How is the COE program impacting or benefitting your career path?

The College of Education has had a significant impact on my career by illustrating that teaching is a meaningful experience. They have shown me that, as a teacher, I’m part of a supportive community and have the opportunity to make a difference in my students’ lives. Through the ESEE program, I have received guidance from exceptional mentor teachers in real classroom settings and amazing professors. This experience has helped me uncover my passion for teaching, and I am eager to continue playing a role in shaping the next generation.

Is there anyone in particular who inspired you to pursue a career in education?

The person who inspired me to become a teacher is my mom. I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia at the age of ten. Unfortunately, my school at the time refused to provide any support, and I continued to struggle academically. However, my mom would not let me fall through the cracks. She did everything in her power to secure the right services and advocate for me. Although it took three years and endless nights of her doing research, I was finally able to get the support I needed by getting an IEP. To this day, I believe that if she hadn’t fought for my rights, I would not have developed the grit or determination to achieve my goals. I want to become a special education teacher to advocate for my students and do whatever it takes to ensure they receive the support they need, just as my mom did for me.

What is your future with your degree?
My plan for my degree is to become a special education teacher in Kalihi. I feel a strong connection and feel complete knowing I am giving back to my community. Special education has always been the right fit for me. I understand how it feels like to be a struggling student and want to show my kids that I will always advocate for their best interests. I want to be the teacher that I needed when I was in elementary school, and I hope to shine a light on the next generation.

I dream of one day advocating on a larger platform. I’m not sure where that might be, whether in administration, teaching at the college level, or starting a non-profit for students with disabilities. I want to ensure that my passion for advocating for students with disabilities goes above and beyond because there needs to be more conversation about it.

What is a fun fact about you?

One fun fact about me is that I have an amazing cat named Frosty-Piccolo that I adopted from the Humane Society a year ago! When I feel overwhelmed after teaching, he is the furry friend I turn to.

Watch this video of Nicole when she was in high school, talking about how she was inspired to become a teacher. Now, four years later, she is graduating with her degree in Exceptional Students & Elementary Education!