Evelyn

"My parents never had the chance to finish high school—they left their education behind to work and build a future in the U.S.—not for themselves, but for me. Their sacrifices inspire me to become the teacher they never had, someone who creates a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams.

This fall, I’ll be the first in my family to go to college. I plan to earn both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, along with my teaching credential, at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Over the past year and a half, I’ve worked with students from preschool through sixth grade, gaining hands-on experience and learning how to support young learners. 

One of my proudest moments was leading lessons in Social Science, Science, and English for a 4th/5th grade combo class. I prepared three days in advance to master each subject, overcoming my social anxiety in the process. Through thoughtful planning, group discussions, and engaging activities, I found joy in helping students grow while building my confidence.

For the past four years, I’ve given back through ASTRA, a community service club dedicated to literacy, environmental efforts, and connecting with seniors. Through our work, we’ve distributed over 1,400 books and organized events for more than 300 local children.  As part of the book drive committee, I helped collect more than 2,400 books—many donated by friends and family—to help local families build their own home libraries and foster a love of reading.

These experiences fuel my passion for teaching and remind me that with preparation, compassion, and service, I can help others succeed where my parents never had the chance."