School Experience
Growing up in Grand Rapids, and Battle Creek Michigan I have few recollections of my early childhood education due to constant movement from one place to another. When I tell others where I am from, they ask me, “What school did you attend?” I often answer with an open-ended response or just tell them about my graduating high school. As you can imagine, growing up and moving schools created difficulty in finding the right way to learn. I grew up with a speech impediment causing reading and writing to be difficult for me to grasp. I also lived most of my childhood without a father. My mother was frequently getting into trouble causing us to move. Going through struggles with family issues, including a mother in prison, which forced me to move in with my alcoholic father, caused difficulties during junior high school and my first couple years of high school.
Finding help in school was almost impossible for me. The only subject in school I was able to relate to was science. Having the ability to have a hands-on learning experience helped me excel in school. Understanding science became very easy for me and my writing and reading skills gradually grew along with my success in science. When I finally pulled myself together, I realized that science was my niche and found myself in a stable school system from which I eventually graduated. I attended Battle Creek Lakeview High School for my junior and senior years. Excited about my achievement in high school with a 3.7 GPA, my father talked me into joining the Air National Guard. Two months later, my father was arrested for a hit-and-run accident while under the influence. After spending my last semester of high school alone, I found myself somewhat disappointed in my decision not to attend college.
Realizing that joining the Air National Guard was a mistake, I went through a complex process to be released from the Air National Guard so that I could attend college. I was successfully released, but to my dismay, I only had four months to figure out how I was going to attend college. At the time, I wanted to be a nurse and Grand Valley State University sounded like the perfect place for me. After working with the wonderful financial aid and admissions staff, I was finally accepted and considered an independent student. I was able to receive financial aid and grants to help me throughout my college journey. Despite my success, I found myself discouraged with the nursing program well as the medical aspect science.
The next year, I changed my major three times before I discovered my true calling. My true passion, for teaching science in elementary schools was discovered. Ever since the day I chose to become a science teacher, I have been convinced that it was a great choice. Now in the Integrated Science program, as well as elementary education, I have high hopes in making a difference in children’s lives. Understanding that everyone has their rough patches, I know I can relate to students and give them a chance to admire science and all it has to offer. I want to help children have a positive educational experience and receive the most beneficial hands-on science experiences. I realize that there is much to learn about teaching science but I am committed to learning and discovering throughout my lifetime. I want to learn the art of teaching my students science, because within teaching I believe there is beautiful knowledge to discover.
I set goals for myself and achieve to my greatest ability. I plan for a future filled with creating a difference in children’s lives. I am an adaptable continual learner who learns from mistakes and doesn’t miss opportunities to grow. I will strive to make childern all they can before and after they leave my classroom.
Finding help in school was almost impossible for me. The only subject in school I was able to relate to was science. Having the ability to have a hands-on learning experience helped me excel in school. Understanding science became very easy for me and my writing and reading skills gradually grew along with my success in science. When I finally pulled myself together, I realized that science was my niche and found myself in a stable school system from which I eventually graduated. I attended Battle Creek Lakeview High School for my junior and senior years. Excited about my achievement in high school with a 3.7 GPA, my father talked me into joining the Air National Guard. Two months later, my father was arrested for a hit-and-run accident while under the influence. After spending my last semester of high school alone, I found myself somewhat disappointed in my decision not to attend college.
Realizing that joining the Air National Guard was a mistake, I went through a complex process to be released from the Air National Guard so that I could attend college. I was successfully released, but to my dismay, I only had four months to figure out how I was going to attend college. At the time, I wanted to be a nurse and Grand Valley State University sounded like the perfect place for me. After working with the wonderful financial aid and admissions staff, I was finally accepted and considered an independent student. I was able to receive financial aid and grants to help me throughout my college journey. Despite my success, I found myself discouraged with the nursing program well as the medical aspect science.
The next year, I changed my major three times before I discovered my true calling. My true passion, for teaching science in elementary schools was discovered. Ever since the day I chose to become a science teacher, I have been convinced that it was a great choice. Now in the Integrated Science program, as well as elementary education, I have high hopes in making a difference in children’s lives. Understanding that everyone has their rough patches, I know I can relate to students and give them a chance to admire science and all it has to offer. I want to help children have a positive educational experience and receive the most beneficial hands-on science experiences. I realize that there is much to learn about teaching science but I am committed to learning and discovering throughout my lifetime. I want to learn the art of teaching my students science, because within teaching I believe there is beautiful knowledge to discover.
I set goals for myself and achieve to my greatest ability. I plan for a future filled with creating a difference in children’s lives. I am an adaptable continual learner who learns from mistakes and doesn’t miss opportunities to grow. I will strive to make childern all they can before and after they leave my classroom.
Teaching Experience
New Branches Public Academy
At New Branches Public Academy I have tutored four children. Two in third grade, one in second and one in first grade. Some of these student are challenged with reading and some are gifted . For each student I developed lesson plans on a weekly basis to fit their specific needs and help them flourish in reading and writing.
Grandview Elementary School & Century Park Elementary
At both Grandview and Century Park I observed and taught fourth and fifth graders in a specialized science course the children have the unique opportunity to attend. The course belongs to Mr Thomas Kelly who is a specialized science teacher that travels the Grandville School District to give student an extra science experience. I had the privilege to observe, assist and take over Mr. Kelly's classroom on two different occasions.
Sibley Elementary School
At Sibley Elementary school I had the experience of designing a math game for children in the third grade. After the math game was finalized I attended a Science Night in which I explained and participated in all games created by several Grand Valley students.
At New Branches Public Academy I have tutored four children. Two in third grade, one in second and one in first grade. Some of these student are challenged with reading and some are gifted . For each student I developed lesson plans on a weekly basis to fit their specific needs and help them flourish in reading and writing.
Grandview Elementary School & Century Park Elementary
At both Grandview and Century Park I observed and taught fourth and fifth graders in a specialized science course the children have the unique opportunity to attend. The course belongs to Mr Thomas Kelly who is a specialized science teacher that travels the Grandville School District to give student an extra science experience. I had the privilege to observe, assist and take over Mr. Kelly's classroom on two different occasions.
Sibley Elementary School
At Sibley Elementary school I had the experience of designing a math game for children in the third grade. After the math game was finalized I attended a Science Night in which I explained and participated in all games created by several Grand Valley students.
Travel Experience
Dominican Republic
March 2011-one week experience
Cruise-Costa Maya, Grand Cayman Islands, Key West Islands, Cozumel
March-April 2006- two week experience
Florida
April 2009-one week experience
Michigan Upper Peninsula
October 2011-four day experience
Kentucky Mammoth Cave
February 2012-three day experience
Future Travels
South Africa for Teacher Assisting
Winter 2013-7-8 week experience
March 2011-one week experience
Cruise-Costa Maya, Grand Cayman Islands, Key West Islands, Cozumel
March-April 2006- two week experience
Florida
April 2009-one week experience
Michigan Upper Peninsula
October 2011-four day experience
Kentucky Mammoth Cave
February 2012-three day experience
Future Travels
South Africa for Teacher Assisting
Winter 2013-7-8 week experience
Relevant Work Experience
Nanny
2005-2006
Stayed with a family of four to watch over two children while parents were at work, on business trips, on vacations, etc.The two children were age five and nine. During the time the parents were away I provided the children with effective healthy learning environment in which helped them complete homework, master daily routines, have time for play, enough sleep and be productive in their elementary school.
Fazoli's Restaurant
2006-2009 Cashier
2011-2012 Manager
Worked Tuesday Night Kids Night where I interacted and assisted with children ages 2-13 making arts and crafts. Every Tuesday night I would bring an idea for kids night and teach it to children who wanted to participate.
Social Security
2009&2012 Summer Internship
Interacted with children of all ages who's parents wanted to receive a social security card on their behalf. I would screen children and their parents who are just coming in the United States to make sure they received all correct documentation to be issued a social security card. In some cases I worked with schools to obtain verification of students. On the job I also had to try to communicate and help others who did not speak English as a first language. This was a great learning experience and rewarding as I now understand that even though English isn't everyone's primary language there are still many way one can communicate with one another to accomplish a goal.
Resident Assistant
August 2010-present
As a resident assistant I build a healthy learning community for my freshman residents. Although these students are older than the age of elementary student I feel that the connections of leaving home for the first time are similar. Many elementary students are in the transition mode from being home for many years with their loved ones to going to school all day. We find beginner elementary students to be the less mature than others in the elementary school. The same goes for freshman in college. My job is to help them transition from being at home to becoming a functional individual and not as dependent on family members. I work with so many different residents and am expose to an array of diversity which allows me have shared experiences with every one of my residents. To create a happy productive environment, I develop programs and bulletin boards to fit the diverse community needs. As a resident assistant I have attended training for three years regarding various topics including diversity, multicultural, intercultural competency, LGBT, conflict resolution, disability, community development etc.
Bank Teller
February 2012-present
Will attend elementary schools and help teach them the value of money!
2005-2006
Stayed with a family of four to watch over two children while parents were at work, on business trips, on vacations, etc.The two children were age five and nine. During the time the parents were away I provided the children with effective healthy learning environment in which helped them complete homework, master daily routines, have time for play, enough sleep and be productive in their elementary school.
Fazoli's Restaurant
2006-2009 Cashier
2011-2012 Manager
Worked Tuesday Night Kids Night where I interacted and assisted with children ages 2-13 making arts and crafts. Every Tuesday night I would bring an idea for kids night and teach it to children who wanted to participate.
Social Security
2009&2012 Summer Internship
Interacted with children of all ages who's parents wanted to receive a social security card on their behalf. I would screen children and their parents who are just coming in the United States to make sure they received all correct documentation to be issued a social security card. In some cases I worked with schools to obtain verification of students. On the job I also had to try to communicate and help others who did not speak English as a first language. This was a great learning experience and rewarding as I now understand that even though English isn't everyone's primary language there are still many way one can communicate with one another to accomplish a goal.
Resident Assistant
August 2010-present
As a resident assistant I build a healthy learning community for my freshman residents. Although these students are older than the age of elementary student I feel that the connections of leaving home for the first time are similar. Many elementary students are in the transition mode from being home for many years with their loved ones to going to school all day. We find beginner elementary students to be the less mature than others in the elementary school. The same goes for freshman in college. My job is to help them transition from being at home to becoming a functional individual and not as dependent on family members. I work with so many different residents and am expose to an array of diversity which allows me have shared experiences with every one of my residents. To create a happy productive environment, I develop programs and bulletin boards to fit the diverse community needs. As a resident assistant I have attended training for three years regarding various topics including diversity, multicultural, intercultural competency, LGBT, conflict resolution, disability, community development etc.
Bank Teller
February 2012-present
Will attend elementary schools and help teach them the value of money!
Volunteer Experience
Rake and Run
2004-2006
Run a 5k to help raise money for the elderly! After the race and the next few following days we went to homes of the elderly to rake their lawns for free. I contributed my time to this event three years in a row with my cross country/track teams.
Student Against Drunk Driving
2006-2009
An organization dedicated to and lead by to give positive peer pressure, role modeling and environmental strategies can prevent other destructive decisions and set a healthier, safer course for their lives. Students help other students with education particularly underage drinking, other drug use, risky and impaired driving, teen violence, and teen suicide. I joined to help with the grief of having alcoholic parents and was their to help other students like myself coop and make better decisions than their parents.
Make A Difference Day
2010-2011
The volunteers of this organization dedicate one day to making a difference in others life. Every year on October 22nd thousands of people go out and help their community all day long. The past two years I have had two opportunities to participate in this event. The first time I participated my group went into a nursing home and put smiles on all the residents faces. The second time I participated in MADD I worked with children in downtown Grand Rapids helping them make arts and crafts and show them what it means to be a part of a community.
Relay for Life
2010-Present
Relay For Life gave me the opportunity to celebrate, remember and fight back for those who have/had cancer. I have been a part of this organization for 3 years and this is my second year being a team captain. I lead a group of residents to raise money for the organization and at the end of the event we have a 12 hour event in which we are given the opportunity to remember the ones we have lost, celebrate the ones we still have and fight back for those who have/had cancer.
2004-2006
Run a 5k to help raise money for the elderly! After the race and the next few following days we went to homes of the elderly to rake their lawns for free. I contributed my time to this event three years in a row with my cross country/track teams.
Student Against Drunk Driving
2006-2009
An organization dedicated to and lead by to give positive peer pressure, role modeling and environmental strategies can prevent other destructive decisions and set a healthier, safer course for their lives. Students help other students with education particularly underage drinking, other drug use, risky and impaired driving, teen violence, and teen suicide. I joined to help with the grief of having alcoholic parents and was their to help other students like myself coop and make better decisions than their parents.
Make A Difference Day
2010-2011
The volunteers of this organization dedicate one day to making a difference in others life. Every year on October 22nd thousands of people go out and help their community all day long. The past two years I have had two opportunities to participate in this event. The first time I participated my group went into a nursing home and put smiles on all the residents faces. The second time I participated in MADD I worked with children in downtown Grand Rapids helping them make arts and crafts and show them what it means to be a part of a community.
Relay for Life
2010-Present
Relay For Life gave me the opportunity to celebrate, remember and fight back for those who have/had cancer. I have been a part of this organization for 3 years and this is my second year being a team captain. I lead a group of residents to raise money for the organization and at the end of the event we have a 12 hour event in which we are given the opportunity to remember the ones we have lost, celebrate the ones we still have and fight back for those who have/had cancer.