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First Foreign Language Classes
During my sophomore year at high school, I took Spanish I and discovered that I had a knack for vocabulary and grammar. My senior year, I also took French I and Spanish III. This set me on the path to studying foreign languages, which would become the focus on my future career. Image: [¿Hablas Español?] (n.d.) https://iimn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Spanish-webpage.png -
Senior Trip to Spain
The Spanish department at my high school took a small group to visit Spain. We saw several major cities including Madrid, Sevilla, and Marbella. It was at this point that I realized the impact of having studied a foreign language, and I knew that languages would be a major part of my future. Image: La Fuente de Cibeles. (2021). https://www.universalweather.com/blog/business-jet-destination-guide-madrid-spain/ -
Ungrad Experience at Lee University
Lee is a rather small school, so it is possible for students and faculty to build long-lasting relationships. I had several important mentors at Lee who influenced my professional and personal aspirations. These included Dr. Alexander Steffanell, Dr. James Wilkins, and Dr. Jason Ward. Image: [Lee University Faculty]. (n.d.) https://www.leeuniversity.edu/directory/ -
Preparation for Doctoral Studies
In preparation for pursuing a doctoral degree in Romance Linguistics at UGA, I met several professors and asked for recommended reading lists. Although I never managed to make the move and begin my studies, I spent the year reading though almost the entire reading list. To this day, I still apply much of what I learned in the classroom. I did manage to use my acquired knowledge to earn the attached title in a trivia app called QuizUp! so it wasn't a total loss! -
Trip to Costa Rica
After graduating from Lee University, one of my professors invited me to serve as a teacher's assistant on a trip to Costa Rica. It was during this time that I realized that I wanted to teach at high school. Image: Biser, I. (n.d.) Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica [Photograph]. https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=317341&picture=arenal-volcano-costa-rica -
Whitfield Career Academy
My first teaching job was at a charter school called (at the time) the Whitfield Career Academy. While working here, I learned the importance of innovative teaching practices and the importance of student engagement in schoolwork. Image: [WCA facade]. (2014). https://www.wcsga.net/domain/636 -
Learning about Comprehensible Input Strategies
At a district level meeting for foreign language teachers, we learned about a teaching methodology focusing on Comprehensible Input (CI). Having not studied education formally, this opportunity to learn a more effective teaching method changed the way I approached foreign language education. Image: [Comprehensible Input: How you Learn a Language]. (n.d.). https://www.optilingo.com/blog/language-learning-essentials/comprehensible-input-how-you-learn-a-language/ -
Soccer Coach at Montevallo High
When I moved back to Alabama, I had the privilege of coaching the varsity girls soccer team at Montevallo High for 3 years and the boys team for 2. -
USSF D License
One of the most difficult and most meaningful professional experiences was earning my D License from US Soccer Federation. I learned a lot about leadership, teaching and learning, and building a positive culture that revolutionized the way I coached and even the way I ran my classroom. Image: [US Soccer Federation]. (2016). https://content.sportslogos.net/news/2016/02/us-soccer-crest-f.png -
Moving to Chelsea High
As of this year, I have moved to Chelsea High School. I am now teaching in the community where I live and at the school that my daughters will attend one day. I am likely to stay for a long time. Additionally, I made the move from Spanish to French, which has been a fun and interesting experience! Image: [Chelsea High School logo]. (2021). https://www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/chhs/
