What drew you to Brown's Master of Arts in Teaching Program?

I was always attracted to the balance of theory and practice the program possessed, but I was hooked once I saw Dr. Upegui teach during Admitted Students Day. He was incredibly culturally responsive and so clearly well respected by the students in class that I was sure I wanted to learn the same pedagogical practices he demonstrated. 
 

What has been a highlight of your experience in the MAT program so far?

Brown Summer High School stands out as one of the most memorable parts of the program. It was stressful to be at the front of a classroom with very little experience, but now that I look back on it, there wouldn’t have been a better way to dive headfirst into the teaching community. The experience only brought our cohort closer together, as everyone was going through the tough, exhilarating experience at the same time.
 

Where are you doing your student teaching, and what do you like most about the experience there so far?

I’m doing my student-teaching at Hope High School, and my favorite part of the school has been its multilingual community. It’s allowed me to see physics from a different perspective, use my Spanish, and explore a breadth of cultures that I wasn’t otherwise sure I’d be able to obtain as a high school teacher in the US. 
 

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I come from a family of educators so teaching was always an idea I had in the back of my head, but it wasn’t until I needed to consider a career that I realized how much it appealed to me. Once I got in the classroom just doing volunteer work, I was hooked. There’s something about seeing the light of comprehension in someone’s eyes as they finally grasp a concept that motivates me to pass on that feeling again and again. 
 

What is your favorite part about living in Providence and being at Brown?

Providence has a great balance of city with there being enough to do while still allowing for personal space when you need to find it, and the MAT program at Brown has been the perfect transition year between college and full-time adulthood. I think it’s the perfect next step for anyone sure they want to teach for any serious amount of time after college!