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Born in Corona, California
My arrival occurred on a hot summer day! I was the first in my family to be born in the United States. My family jokes that I was made in Mexico, but delivered in the US. My family comes from a rural farming region in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. -
Early Childhood
I was fortunate to have experienced both worlds as a child. I lived in Tijuana for several years, where I lived among extended family members, attended school, learned Spanish, and got to know the culture and heritage of my parents. The family returned to the United States, San Diego, in the mid sixties when I was 10 years old. -
Sherman Elementary
At age 10, I entered the fourth grade at Sherman Elementary. I was a new arrival from Mexico and did not speak a word of English. This was the period of "sink or swim" in regards to bilingual educaiton. I managed to swim! -
Memorial Junior High
This was an unsettleling period. My learning experience at Memorial Junior High inclued the riots of racial tensions in San Diego. The slogans were "Black Power" and "Brown Power." This were also the years where the neighborhoods, Logan Heights, Sherman and others, made a stand to clean up the junckyards and other businesses housed there and demanded a park for the community. An thus, Chicano Park was developed, under the newly constructed Coronado Bridge. -
San Diego High School
I attended the Grey Castle as San Diego High School used to be called. I loved look of the building, it did look like a castle with its stone walls and green ivy growing over them. I graduated in 1974. I immediately began to work, as college was not an option at the time. I married two years later and started my family -
Claudia's Arrival
My first child is born in 1978. She was and is precious and courageous. Claudia and her husband dave have a blended family of seven children. They are quite a team! It's always exciting at their home to say the least... -
Gabe is Born
My second chld is born, Gabriel, he was soo sweet and gentle, characteristics that he still has. He is now married and a father of two. -
Alex
My youngest son is born on Halloween. He is now at Cal State LA pursuing a degree in Nutritional Science, after having studied culinary arts. -
National University
After returning to the work force, I realized that I needed to continue my education to provide better opportunities for my young family. I attended National University from 1989 to 1991 and completed my BA degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Health Care. It was at this time that seriously considered pursuing my desire to become a teacher. This is something that I have wanted since childhool (in our childhood games, I was ALWAYS the teacher). -
Sad Times
My husband of 17 years passes on, and I become a single parent. This life event has been one of the most difficult for my children and myself. My plans to pursue a teaching credential are placed on hold. -
BECA District Intern Program
I began the BECA Distict Intern Progrma in the summer of 1998. Successfully completed the two-year program and finally became a biliteracy teacher. I have been working with inner city, and second language students ever since. This is my way of giving back to students that are now in a place where I once was. -
Travel
I've always wanted to travel. As a child my favorite subject was history and learning about places and peoples around the world. My first trip outside the United States occured in 2000. And there have been several since. Thus far, I've visited London, Paris, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. There are still many places left to see! -
San Diego State University
Completed a Master of Arts Degree in Education along with a
Certificate as a Reading Speciaist. -
The Present
I am the proud parent of three wornderful children who have grown up to be productive and living fulfilling lives. Claudia and Gabe are now married and I have nine grandchildren. I love every moment of it! My youngest son, Alex, is pursuing his Nutricional Science Degree. I know he will do well! I continue to grow professionally, the learning is an ongoing part of my life that I welcome. I would say that life has been good to me, and that there is much more to come. -
Professional Development
I am still a learner... I continue to learn the Spanish language by participating in book club reading award winning hispanic authors. Learning about teaching and learning is ongoing and in my current resource position I've learned more about coaching beginning teachers. Finally, now I have an opportunity to explore teching with techonology.
