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News & Events
Spotlight on Students
Martinez Fellow: Ruby O’Connor
Why do you want to become a teacher?
I want to become a teacher because I love children, and I want to make a difference. I feel that teachers are some of the most influential people in our lives. I want to go beyond the basics and teach my students that their race, gender, 
religion, and economic background will contribute to their journey but will NOT determine their destination. My goal as a teacher will not be to cover up or ignore the realities of life, but to give my students the tools, encouragement and self-confidence to make their dreams a reality. I want to teach because I want to give every child the opportunity to succeed.
Why did you choose the College of Education?
I believe that by enrolling in the College of Education, I will gain the experience and education I need to not only be the best teacher I can be, but be the best person I can be as well. I look forward to being challenged by both my teachers as well as the rigorous academic curriculum.
Who was one of your most influential teachers?
My mother has always been my biggest mentor. She has taught me how to love, how
to be strong, how to keep my head up, and to give everyone a chance. She has
always encouraged me to reach beyond my goals. Most importantly, my mother has
shown me that anyone can teach facts, but real teaching needs to be much more
than that. A truly passionate teacher will teach beyond the fundamentals and
strive to make a positive impression on their students’ lives.
What are you most excited to accomplish as a future teacher?
I am so excited to have my own classroom, and my own curriculum. I am excited to have students from all kinds of backgrounds to teach and to encourage.
I was raised by a single mother and am the youngest of my siblings. I can say
without a doubt that I am where I am at today because of my mother and my two
older sisters. All three of them have always tried to make my life a little
better than their own. We are a team, and any success that I achieve in life is
not my own, but theirs as well.
Because of my learning disability, school has never been easy for me. Unlike some students, good grades never came naturally for me. I had to work twice as hard in order to stay motivated. Although there were some individuals who planted doubt inside of me, there were others that encouraged me, and reminded me that it would not be an easy journey, but that the struggle would make my victory all the more sweeter. I am so thankful for those people who have encouraged me and believed in me, and I would like to extend that gratitude to the Martinez Foundation as well. Their support has given me the opportunity to make these dreams of mine an actual reality, and for that I am forever grateful.
Feature Stories
