Spanish Language, Creative Writing and English instructor

In 2012, I earned my degree in creative writing from the University of California at Riverside, working with established authors like Susan Straight, Reza Aslan, and two-time, United States Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. They taught me the value of writing, the idea that storytelling can help us become better communicators and empathize with people everywhere. I hold a California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) certificate since September 2016 in reading, math, and writing. 

Once a part of a bookstore then an ESL teacher to Mandarin-speaking students, I’ve worked with children for much of my life. My teaching philosophy is compassion for others, practice listening, and model respect.

I've tutored my younger siblings from kindergarten to university as well as be the de facto translator for my parents from an early age. I am a first-generation, US-born citizen to Mexican parents. If I can help shape the leaders of tomorrow and leave one student or one hundred better than I met them, then I did my job - to make the world a better place.

Fast Facts:

Favorite Lesson to Teach: Spanish 1A. Seeing students with no Spanish knowledge understanding the building blocks of a new language is satisfying. Learning Spanish is not just acquiring a new language, but also gaining an understanding of a new world perspective.

Education: University of CA at Riverside (2008-12) and Cal State Long Beach (2013)

Who was your favorite teacher: Many but my high school English literature and Spanish language teachers. Both provided different learning experiences that helped me grow personally.

Why do I teach: To teach younger generations is to invest in the future, sharing skills like critical thinking, compassion and hard work.

When I'm not teaching I am … reading, watching Netflix, or enjoying family time. I enjoy music as well and constantly learning like learning Italian and Swedish.