What’s the biggest lesson your students have taught you?

The biggest thing they've taught me is to believe in yourself when you have something super challenging because this job is super challenging and I still manage to do it. Also to not underestimate anyone, to be open to people's abilities to do things.

Why did you choose to commit to TFA?

I had a lot of influential teachers in my life and it's partially because I wouldn't have gotten to where I was without those adults, and being able to do that for students on the other side as well.

What’s been your proudest moment in the classroom?

 I'm a Spanish teacher so my proudest moments are when I'm able to be speaking Spanish 100%, even when it's just for 15-20 minutes of class, and knowing they can understand me. That's a big deal because they tend to shut down when it's all in Spanish, but when they're fully understanding it just makes me proud of what they've learned.

What about the funniest?

I was telling a story in Spanish, I have the students help me create a story in Spanish, and this story was about a girl who was late to class, so I asked them to help me come up with consequences for her, and one of them came up with having her dance the hokey-pokey in front of the class. 

What was the biggest challenge or surprise you encountered in the classroom?

Being prepared for things that kids might say or do during a lesson, so something that you might not have planned for ahead of time. Also, just time management, figuring out how to balance life and teaching at the same time.

What do you like to do in your downtime? 

I hang out with my friends, I like to watch movies. I also moved from Jersey to DC, so I still have yet to explore all of DC and all of the museums, so when I can I try to go through the museums.