Noyce Scholar Profile
Jayme Jacinto
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of La Verne
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
Citrus College SI Program
Background:
I was born and raised in Southern California and absolutely love it here. I am the youngest of three and the only girl. I am very close with my family who has always supported and encouraged me to be the best I can be. I am also a veteran of the United States Navy. During my four years of service I traveled throughout the U.S. with a squadron whose mission was to train pilots to fly. I finally returned home to return to school. My journey began at Citrus College in Glendora, Ca. It was there that I became a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader in the STEM program. This program has helped me excel in my sciences as well as discover the desire to teach.
Why do you want to teach:
Education is crucial for success and I believe that learning can and should be fun. I have also found that if teachers are inspired to teach, students will be inspired to learn. I have been inspired by my teachers and am anxious to get into the classroom, spark the interests of young students and show them how rewarding it is to learn new things!
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My teaching experience thus far has been with the SI Program at Citrus College. I had a large group of students who attended in the evening, and we were discussing ligands and receptors. I described the receptors as a club that everyone wants to get into, BUT only the cool kids, the “ligands,” were allowed. After our discussion, the students left to attend lecture. One of my SI attendees was called upon to answer a question regarding that very topic and answered it with ease. He then proceeded to tell the class that he would not have been able to answer, if it weren’t for my SI Sessions! He thanked me and encouraged the class to attend if they weren’t already. It felt awesome to know that not only did the student understand, but he was appreciative of the knowledge he obtained. As a student myself, when I get that “light-bulb” effect, I feel relieved and confident in my knowledge. Relating science, which can be difficult to grasp at times, to very basic situations in life, can help the student understand the process better. I love helping other students achieve that “light-bulb” effect!
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
It is no secret that higher education is quite expensive. Being awarded the Noyce Fellowship has taken a giant weight off my shoulders so that I may focus entirely on my goals and perform at my best. I also feel a part of something very special. I am a part of a program that provides an incredible opportunity for teachers to excel in their craft and a network of peers that have similar goals as I do! This program has a goal to better the science and math departments of schools for a better and brighter future for our youth, and I am so very excited and grateful to be a part of it!
