Noyce Scholar Profile
Anna Vasquez
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology, Undergraduate
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, Physiology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
California State University Dominguez Hills
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
I am currently a junior at California State Dominguez Hills, and am very proud of my accomplishments thus far. I was the first in my family to attend college, and hope to make my parents very proud in a couple years when they see me walk across the stage to receive my diploma. I am a member of a few school clubs at my school; my friends and peers in the clubs have helped me move forward in my college career.
Why do you want to teach:
The idea of teaching has been with me since I was a little girl. I have always admired what my elementary school teachers taught us; moreover, I enjoyed how they did it with such passion. Ultimately, they inspired me to become someone who could also have an impact on a student the way they did on me. They relish teaching kids rather than the money. I feel that students in high school have a specific path to walk in order to make it to the next step, which is not possible if they are not guided correctly. Guidance and knowledge is what they need at that point in their lives. It is exactly what I would like to accomplish with them in the classroom, to teach them and guide them to be successful.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I have yet to teach in front of an entire classroom, but something I do look forward to is watching the reactions of students when they understand a concept or are enjoying what they are doing in the classroom.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Scholars Program is a major asset to becoming a high school science teacher because it provides the necessary financial contribution to help me move forward with my education. Currently, at home, money is an issue, as both my parents do not make enough to support me in my education. They work hard to help me with what they can. Therefore, the help of the Noyce Scholarship makes our lives that much easier in addition to helping my studies improve with less stress. Networking is another help that the Noyce Scholarship brings to me. At this point in my life I must seek out people and meet everyone I possibly can to improve my chances at my desired career that much easier and less of a struggle. Lastly, I understand this program will aid me in attaining above par grades. There are tutors who can assist me in overcoming obstacles and achieving my goals. Overall, this scholarship will enhance my college experience. It will give me all the essential tools to achieve my own potential as a high school science teacher, and as an individual.
