Noyce Scholar Profile
Sandra Tapia
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:
Undergraduate Junior
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
I am a first generation college student who comes from a Mexican family of six. I am 22 years old and recently graduated and transferred from Mount San Antonio College to the University of La Verne with two Associates degrees in Natural Science and Mathematics. I am currently working on a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with concentration in teaching.
Why do you want to teach:
Besides being fascinated with the major of Biology and being able to educate my future students about the study of life, my goal once I become a high school teacher is to positively impact the lives of my students by pushing them toward success in school and in life and to encourage them to continue with their studies after high school.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
As a part of community service, I had the honor and pleasure to work with children at the Boys and Girls Club of Pomona. I focused my service in their education center and helped students with homework. I came to realize that most students struggled with science and mathematics. The students would seek help to learn at the center due to a lack of support at home. I enjoyed being able to help the students, and they further encouraged my aspirations of becoming a teacher.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has been a great blessing because the scholarship has help me to cover my tuition expenses as well as required materials for each class. Being able to socialize with other Noyce scholars and mentors during workshops has also been a great help. They have provided great advice and tips to help guide us through our teaching careers.
