Noyce Scholar Profile

Heidy Arias
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
California State University San Bernardino
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
San Bernardino
Background:
My name is Heidy Arias. I am currently attending California State University San Bernardino to obtain my bachelor’s degree in mathematics. I am also working at San Bernardino Valley College as a teacher’s aide. I have been working there for two years and have had a great experience. I enjoy helping students and seeing them make progress in mathematics is exciting.
Why do you want to teach:
I have had some experience in helping students in college, and every time one of the students discovers that math is not as hard as they thought it was makes me feel good. I believe that all students should have a great experience in school so that they are more enthusiastic about learning and having a better future.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I remember one of the students in college being afraid of math. She would cry in every class because she couldn’t understand the material. After staying after class and helping her, she obtained an A for one of her exams. The smile on her face and her enthusiasm to learn more was rewarding for me.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The program is a wonderful opportunity to become not only a teacher, but a good teacher who can help and inspire students. It offers so many opportunities to obtain the tools necessary to be a mentor for the students.