When I was 8 years old, I moved to America from the Philippines. A week or two later, I was enrolled at the nearest public school in a predominantly white neighborhood. I remember that during my first math class, the rest of the students were taking a test. My teacher asked me if I wanted to take the test and without saying a word, I grabbed the test and completed it. I got my test back a few days later and I failed it. That was one of the many things I would go on to fail. When I brought the test home, I showed it to my sisters and they were a little nervous because our family had high expectations from us. We were brought here to receive a better education so that we would have more opportunities open to us. My sisters didn't tell our family that I failed my first math test. Instead, they took time after school everyday to teach me what I didn't know. They are the reason I wanted to become a teacher. From what I remember, learning had always been a little hard for me. I was learning how to speak English at the same time that I was learning math, science, and all the subjects in school. However, my sisters didn't give up on me. They knew that the further I was behind all of my other peers, the harder it would be for me to catch on. So, we spent hours learning my multiplication tables, how to tell time, how to read or write, and so much more. They were kids themselves so they weren't always patient but they were determined. They were determined to help me catch up. That is still one of my key memories of learning. They taught me that you don't have to be an adult to teach. They showed me that patience doesn't come easy but it's worth it at the end. They are the ones who inspired me to want to become a teacher at 11 years old. In California, 19.01% of the students enrolled in public school are English Learners, with Spanish being the most common first language of a student. I plan to use my experiences as an English Learner to inspire other students. I can relate to them and let them know how much I also struggled to learn English but I have overcome those struggles to get to where I am. My experiences have taught me patience which is a trait that often gets overlooked with educators. I know how important it is to have a teacher that doesn't get mad at you for not understanding a concept or a word right away. I can be that person for these students. I know I have so much I can offer this generation of students. Currently, I am on an intern credential pursuing a Special Education and Multiple Subject Credential while teaching a Mild/Moderate Self-Contained Classroom in Oakland. I have a deeper understanding of what it means to be patient and to really care for students' education. I have seen how the education system has failed many students and if I can be someone to help a student catch up or encourage them, I am going to be that person.

When I was 8 years old, I moved to America from the Philippines. A week or two later, I was enrolled at the nearest public school in a predominantly white neighborhood. I remember that during my first math class, the rest of the students were taking a test. My teacher asked me if I wanted to take the test and without saying a word, I grabbed the test and completed it. I got my test back a few days later and I failed it. That was one of the many things I would go on to fail. When I brought the test home, I showed it to my sisters and they were a little nervous because our family had high expectations from us. We were brought here to receive a better education so that we would have more opportunities open to us. My sisters didn't tell our family that I failed my first math test. Instead, they took time after school everyday to teach me what I didn't know. They are the reason I wanted to become a teacher. From what I remember, learning had always been a little hard for me. I was learning how to speak English at the same time that I was learning math, science, and all the subjects in school. However, my sisters didn't give up on me. They knew that the further I was behind all of my other peers, the harder it would be for me to catch on. So, we spent hours learning my multiplication tables, how to tell time, how to read or write, and so much more. They were kids themselves so they weren't always patient but they were determined. They were determined to help me catch up. That is still one of my key memories of learning. They taught me that you don't have to be an adult to teach. They showed me that patience doesn't come easy but it's worth it at the end. They are the ones who inspired me to want to become a teacher at 11 years old. In California, 19.01% of the students enrolled in public school are English Learners, with Spanish being the most common first language of a student. I plan to use my experiences as an English Learner to inspire other students. I can relate to them and let them know how much I also struggled to learn English but I have overcome those struggles to get to where I am. My experiences have taught me patience which is a trait that often gets overlooked with educators. I know how important it is to have a teacher that doesn't get mad at you for not understanding a concept or a word right away. I can be that person for these students. I know I have so much I can offer this generation of students. Currently, I am on an intern credential pursuing a Special Education and Multiple Subject Credential. I have a deeper understanding of what it means to be patient and to really care for students' education. I have seen how the education system has failed many students and if I can be someone to help a student catch up or encourage them, I am going to be that person.