Sup Teach?

Cmalixi | Fr: Union City, CA | @ Union City, CA
CSUEB | Student Teacher | Social Studies | High School

How’d you get into education? Ever since I was younger I always thought about becoming a teacher. I knew I wanted to make a positive impact on this world and teaching just made sense to me. I didn’t want to be stuck in a cubicle my whole life wondering if I was making a difference. The impact of a teacher is direct, everyday you have the opportunity to make a difference in young people’s lives. In the past I said I wanted to be an elementary school teacher because I love working with little kids. As my college years went on, I started to work more and more with high school students and my passion moved in that direction. The content and maturity level just opens more possibilities to teaching interesting topics.

What is your purpose? My purpose in education is to open eyes, open doors, inquire, and inspire. Ideally my style will be heavily influenced by Ethnic Studies and community-based learning. I want to expose students to injustice and push for social justice. I want to develop leaders and socially conscious human beings. I have a genuine desire  to help people, so my purpose is also to be a support to students.

Anything else you wanna add? I feel very privileged by the type of education I received throughout high school and college. I have been fortunate to learn about the histories of my people and other oppressed peoples. My high school has an Ethnic Studies Department. It’s my dream to one day teach in that department and eventually spread Ethnic Studies to high schools that don’t have it.