Noyce Scholar Profile
Viviana Vazquez
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S., Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Composite Sciences, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas at Arlington
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
Science/Math Tutor, John H. Reagan Elementary School, Dallas ISD, field experience at ACA Middle School and Butler Elementary School, Arlington ISD
Background:
I was born and raised in Dallas, TX. I graduated in 2013 from the High School of Health Professions at Townview Magnet Center. From there, I finished my basics at Mountain View College and graduated with my Associate's Degree in Science in May 2016. After graduation from community college, I applied to the School of Science at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where I am currently enrolled in the UTeach program. I hope to graduate in the Fall of 2018 with a Bachelor's in Biology and a teaching certificate in Composite Science.
Why do you want to teach:
For a long time, I didn't know what I wanted my career to be, and to be honest, teaching was never in my mind until I applied to UTA. I realized then that I've been teaching my entire life. In elementary school, I would always get paired with the lower performing students so that they could learn from me; in middle school, I was a part of a peer leadership program in which I tutored those students who didn't understand certain material; and in high school, I began tutoring at an elementary school. These past experiences have led me to where I am now, and it makes me feel like I was always meant to follow this career path. Teaching to me means being able to influence the future generation into becoming great future leaders, and I think that's a good thing to look forward to.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
One of my most memorable teaching experiences was when I was tutoring 5th graders to get them ready for their STAAR exam. These students were among the lowest performing students at the school; almost no one at the school had any hopes of them passing the exam. These students, however, were determined to do otherwise. Throughout the few weeks that I helped tutor them, they began to understand concepts more and more, and by the last weeks of tutoring, they became more independent in solving problems. When the results of the exam came in, the majority of those low performing students passed their STAAR exam. It made me so happy to see that they proved those who didn't think they could do it wrong. This experience showed me that every student has the capability to do whatever they set their mind on, and regardless of what their records show, they are smart.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant a great deal to me. This program has allowed me to be in school free of the worry that I'm going to graduate full of debt. As well as that, the program has provided me with a great opportunities that will allow me to be successful in my future endeavors. I am eternally grateful.
