About Me

I'm a Southern California girl. I born was born in Inglewood, raised in Westchester, and grew up in Long Beach.  I went to public Kindergarten. All I can remember is story time, play dough, and doing a cultural dance for an international day. The next 8 years I went to parochial school with almost the same 30 students. It becomes a curse around middle school. In fourth grade, I noticed school work becoming much harder, or that could just be Mrs. Gavel's teaching style. I always thought I was a good student. I was quite shy, but remember having the right answers when the teacher called on me. Looking at my grades, I wasn't so hot. Reading comprehension was my downfall.  From fourth grade on, we were put into low, regular, and high groups for math and reading. I remember being in the middle group. In eighth grade, I was tired of being in the middle math group. We were clumped with the low group still doing long division. The high group was starting Geometry. I was so bored, I paid attention to their lesson. Once, I became so enthralled that I yelled out the answer, to the chagrin of my teacher. Yet, she said she didn't have room for me in the higher math class. High School testing allowed me to move up in math courses. I also went to a parochial high school for grades nine to twelve. School was structured but fun overall. I was in pep squad Freshman year, and was in choir and drama the next three years. I attained Honor Roll a couple semesters, but with my dad harping on my B's I lost heart in doing well. Though my grades didn't bomb. After high school, I earned my Bachelor's in English: Linguistics at CSULB. Public school was a culture shock. Today, I can't put my finger on why ... maybe they were more rude than what I was used to. Cultural diversity was not an issue, but campus was huge with so many people. College was enjoyable. I had a chance to explore my interests.

On the technology continuum, I'd like to say I'm slightly better than average. "File,""Edit," and "View" are similar whether Mac or PC. I mostly play with the software until I get what I want. Computer class are harder for me. Maybe it's because I'm not comfortable with the placement of files and icons. I don't mind the computer revolution but all the revisions disturb me, especially if they are no where near like the previous revision. Overall, I still prefer pen and paper since my past revisions are easily seen in case I want to use them elsewhere, and I like to write in the margins.

The CSUSM School of Education Mission Statement mentions "preparing thoughtful educators," "life-long learning," and  "ongoing service." These three terms are similar in the way that they are long term. Thoughtful educators take the time to prepare their lessons with the students needs in mind. They find material that is relevant to the course and current attitudes toward the subject, not just put a movie in for a free day. Education taught should be current. A teacher should seek contemporary information to give their students. They should not give up on a student because of learning difficulties or behavior problems. but give ongoing service to the class and each child to the best of their ability.