Noyce Scholar Profile
David Oshiro
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Santa Clara University
Current academic or teaching status:
5th-Year Teaching Credential
School and school district:
Shadowing/Observing at Evergreen Valley High School
Background:
I was born and raised in the state of Hawaii, where I spent much of my free time playing volleyball and working with computers. Recently, I graduated from Santa Clara University (SCU) with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Business. While at SCU, I also enjoyed working in Student Housing and Residence Life.
Why do you want to teach:
Since the start of undergraduate classes, I had planned to work towards a degree in business. Math had always interested me, but it wasn’t until midway through my junior year that I decided to pursue teaching instead. Since high school, I’ve admired the positive influence of teachers. Now, I hope my interest in math can provide a similar benefit for future students.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
During the months preceding my senior year in college, I worked as a teaching assistant for a summer high school math class. The curriculum was especially difficult because it condensed a year’s worth of Algebra II/Trigonometry material into 6 weeks. During the unit on trigonometry, we would work for hours after class going over questions, formulas, and the unit circle. One day, the students I had been working with had a breakthrough, and were finally able to fully understand the ideas they had been learning. Helping students to understand an important concept is one of the most fulfilling and worthwhile job experiences I’ve had to date.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has given me the chance to do what I love, while also benefiting the community. Additionally, the program has connected me with a network of mentors, professors, and fellow soon-to-be teachers who offer guidance and inspiration. I am truly grateful for the opportunities the program has provided.
