AUTOBIOGRAPHY

I was born in a small town in the northern part of the Philippine Islands, called Aparri, Cagayan. My childhood memories were full of laughter and fun, being the “apple of my father’s eyes”. I started school at 6 years old. After high school graduation, I pursued my Bachelors Degree in Economics. Marrying at age 19, I was widowed with a son at age 25. I have two adorable children, Christopher and Chriselle, a wonderful family, a loving husband, a caring mom, a supportive brother and a beautiful dog, Buddy. Talk about being blessed!

 

My job experiences are vast and include working in offices, marketing supervision and managerial positions. In 1996, I founded my own company, a realty and export/ import trading firm which was a member of World Trade International.

 My life changed when I remarried in April 2000. I fell in love with my husband, Charles, in Osaka, Japan during a World Trade International Convention in 1999. Moving to Phoenix, Arizona proved to be very difficult and I ended up starting all over. My husband thought I would be a good teacher. Convinced, I decided to give it a try.

I began my teaching career by becoming a substitute teacher. I enjoyed the experience so much that after a month later, I went back to school. I pursued my Post Baccalaureate in Elementary Education at Rio Salado College and a Masters in Educational Management in Educational Leadership and Instructional Supervision at Arizona State University West. I became determined that I would be a teacher.

 I attended a traditional catholic school from kindergarten to high school run by the Sisters of St. Paul. Many unforgettable teachers fill my memories. My 6th grade teacher, Sister Carmella, my Science teacher, Ms. Corella and my Language Arts teacher, Ms. Pajarillo in High School stand out most in my memory. Sister Carmela, a nun, was the strictest teacher I ever had. She was very knowledgeable and was always prepared for class. I didn’t like her at that time because there were issues of favoritism in class and the rich students were chosen in school plays, activities and made the honor list more than the poorer more deserving students. I was one of those poorer more deserving students. When she took me off the honor role list in favor of a rich student before graduation day, I was so upset! But learning a lot from her, I took it as a challenge. I worked hard and believed in myself more than ever after that. My high school teachers, Ms. Corella and Ms. Pajarillo used to tell me that I was smart and would be successful in anything that I put my heart into. This positive message impacted me greatly—that others believed in me.

Another memorable teacher was Ms. Santos. Ms. Santos, my third grade teacher was a cheerful, positive lady who was never angry with any of the students. Her caring and understanding provided an excellent role model for me. These teachers made an important impact on my life. They were knowledgeable, caring, always ready, flexible, and made learning fun and exciting for me.

Like these teachers, I want to be a co-author of my students’ success. I learned that we cannot regard our students differently, no matter what differences they have. My students’ success motivates me to overcome any barriers. I am striving to better myself for the benefit of my students. There is a new sense of urgency about our schools. I know I can play an active role and be rewarded for my contribution, i.e. seeing my students applying the skills they learned in their everyday lives and achieving success.

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