Noyce Scholar Profile
Christina Harding
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: High School Mathematics
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
UCLA
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
JMEP
Background:
I come from an Air Force family, and moved around growing up. I spent most of my childhood years in Virginia, and all of high school in California – which has been my favorite location. I love playing sports, specifically soccer and pole vault, but really any sport, and read books whenever I can – recently that’s been on my walk to class. In my free time I like to spend time with family/friends, play video games, and play guitar.
Why do you want to teach:
I’ve known since I was young that I wanted to be a mathematics teacher, and I’ve loved it so far. I love working with kids, helping people, and changing negative dispositions towards mathematics.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
After spending a quarter working with one particular classroom, the class gave me a book compiled of a page from each student and their message to me. There were thank you messages, memories, and drawings filling up the book. I love all the relationships that I’ve built while teaching, and I haven’t even had my own class yet, or been able to come into a class once a week yet.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant extra support and motivation to teach specifically the students who need good teachers the most, the students who come from undeserved schools, who are provided with less opportunities, and who lack support. The Noyce program has been a huge crutch for me, easing my attempt to reach out as a crutch for others.
