Explain your career path

After moving to South Texas, I added TX certification as well as Bilingual Education certification while teaching first grade in McAllen, TX. When living in suburban Houston, I taught first grade for 19 years as an ESL cluster teacher. I became a Elementary Science Curriculum Specialist in the third largest district in TX, writing science curriculum, training and coaching elementary science teachers, as well as tutoring at risk students.

What was your major at Southeast and how would you characterize the quality of that program to prospective students?

Elementary Science with specializations in Science and Language Arts I had wanted to major in geology at the University of MO-Rolla. The dean at that school told me that women would not be accepted in Industry and I would not be able to find a job, except in a museum. (Thank goodness times have changed!) I had a goal of making enough girls to love science so the university wouldn't be able to turn them away, as I had been.

Why did you choose to attend Southeast?

its education department, its reasonable cost, and scholarships offered

Who influenced you most during your time at Southeast?

Dr. William Rushing, Psych Dept.

If you were in Greek Life, the Honors Program or any other student organization, please tell us about that experience and how it impacted you.

I was the Spotlight Teacher for my campus, a special leadership honor in Cypress Fairbanks ISD.

What is the most important thing you learned while you were at Southeast?

Have a passion for what you want to do in life

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?

Don't become a teacher--they are no longer respected and the work load is ridiculous. You will need another job to make ends meet.