Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, the southernmost border region of Texas, I unknowingly experienced inequity in education. As one of the least educated parts of the state, we were reminded time and time again of our “shortcomings” in high school and higher education. Lucky for me and my peers, we were a part of a charter school network that prides itself on achieving 100% college admission for their students. In my case, I flew through high school with an A and B average without notetaking or studying. Entering my alma mater, I believed I was capable of continuing this success in college without practicing any academic habits. Naturally, I failed. Two years into my bachelor’s degree, I was put on academic suspension and kicked out of school.
Beyond the feelings of inadequacy, I went through a possible eviction and a period of home insecurity. Persevering through these hardships built in me a motivation to return to education with more fervor. With my return to college, I knew I had to go above and beyond to ensure I was understanding and executing the work I had in order to achieve the grades I needed to recover my GPA. As I committed myself to schooling, I fostered a burning passion for education and learned my role in life is to serve students.
Transitioning into an English teaching role in Denver, Colorado with Teach For America, I have continued to develop myself professionally in effort to show up for my students as my very best. Engaging with the content of my graduate program, I have become increasingly curious of the current state of education in the United States and am urged to influence the status quo. There is tremendous work that must be done to build a schooling system that truly is for our students. Akin to the community I grew up in, I am blessed to be working within a school that serves students of color where, everyday, I learn to be a better teacher and an educator that rejects the prejudice that is a poison on our world.
