Program: Master of Arts in Teaching – Secondary Mathematics Education 
Hometown: San Antonio, TX    
Education: Brown University, Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, 2023
 

What is your favorite part about living in Providence?

I like the really pretty skies, the food, and the international community that Providence brings.

How did your experiences before this program inspire or prepare you to go into teaching?

I was really into trying to make social change and was inspired by everything that was happening when I was in college at Brown. I got my degree in Public Policy and while I was doing that, I had a summer internship with City Government and an education worker’s union. I saw the discrepancies between how change was pursued in government and how it was pursued through unionizing and work. I thought I could be most effective by going into teaching and that’s where I think I found my people. Also, my parents are educators and my sister is an educator and I think my little sister will also be a teacher. The education space was always somewhere that was comfortable for me and a mission I believe in and continue to believe in. I think it’s where I can make the most change. 

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

I like meeting the other MATs, I think that’s been the greatest part. I sincerely believe that everyone in the MAT program is going to be a great teacher. I think that inspires me, being with people who are inspired to go into education and tackle some of the biggest issues. 
 

Where are you doing your student teaching, and what are you currently learning?

I’m doing my student teaching at E-Cubed, it’s a high school right off Branch Avenue. It’s a small high school and for that reason, I feel I have a significant role at the school and I see how accessible change can be. That’s what I’m learning, and also the privileges of having a small school and small class sizes. I’m also learning that teachers and students are ready for change in the education system.
 

How do you like to spend your free time?

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of poetry. I’ve been hung up on people like Leonard Cohen, Kendrick Lamar, and Frank Ocean. I like reading their stuff and connecting it back to the work makes the job easier. Since I’ve been teaching, if there’s something the students are interested in, I’ll bring them a piece of media like that. It’s also just fun to listen to and read. 
 

How do you center your wellness while being a grad student and having so many responsibilities?

I think about what my goal is. It’s usually it’s something like being happy and, for me, being happy also means giving back in very sincere and valuable ways. So while I’m at school, that’s the mission that’s on my mind. It’s not so much the paperwork and grades, it’s how I can give the best education to the students and make them interested in something. For my Brown classes, it’s always knowing what ways I’m trying to give back. It’s usually pursuing something I’m interested in. It just alleviates the stress in a way to approach my assignments and care less about the paperwork. 

What are you looking forward to this spring semester?

I look forward to exploring and showing how students can learn in better ways than giving them a long assignment every day. Even if I fail at that, I’m happy to be trying new things and having learning experiences and challenges that are fruitful. 

What are you hoping to do after graduation?

I want to be a math teacher in Providence Public Schools.