For the last eight years, I have been preparing myself to become a veterinarian. However, I am aware that there are many current social and political inequities in education, and I have come to the realization that becoming a vet will not allow me to be a catalyst for social change.
From my ethnic studies minor, I’ve become aware of socioeconomic boundaries that prevent minorities from performing at their maximum potential. As a biology major, I have personally experienced the lack of representation of people of color in this field. As a Latina, I have also experienced instances where I was reminded that my race might inhibit my career aspirations from becoming reality. Everyone has a purpose in life, and though I have been on a completely different career trajectory until now, I have decided that I will be a teacher in Oakland.
I aim to become an effective and exceptional teacher. I will serve students and prove to them that science is accessible to all and that their personal background is irrelevant to their success in this field. I will create a safe, all-inclusive, inspirational and driven environment where students lack intimidation in science and instead grow motivation to pursue it.
I aim to be an effective leader in a community where I am needed by using my interpersonal skills. Many students lack privileges that are readily available to middle-class and upper-class families. Therefore, I feel a responsibility to provide students with the best preparatory education possible so that they take advantage of all opportunities that become available to them. I will motivate and empower students by understanding them and their intersectionalities. I will connect with them and build an understanding based on what constitutes their conceptual framework as young men and women. Lastly, I will demonstrate a sense of compassion, commitment, and leadership that will motivate students to accomplish greatness.
Read Valeska Munoz’s Mills senior moment upon realizing that she’ll be graduating in May.
For more graduation-related posts, check out The Campanil‘s designated 2014 Commencement webpage here or click on the “Commencement” link in the upper right hand corner of the header.
