10 Within 10 Recognition

Major: Special education with a concentration in cognitive impairments, English education (6-12), and Spanish language

Current job: Middle school resource room teacher at Excel Charter Academy. I work with sixth through eighth-graders in a full-inclusion model. I'm also the coordinator for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre's summer camp and low-sensory night.

Current city: Grand Rapids

What has been your coolest moment since graduation?

The night of the first low-sensory night at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. It's the first theater in our region that has sponsored an event of this sort, and I was honored to coordinate it. It was incredibly humbling to see so many people with various sensory needs attend live theater for the first time and get to experience its magic.

What are you proudest of?

I am proudest of coming out as the person I truly am and getting married to the love of my life. She constantly inspires me to follow my passions, work as hard as I can and challenge myself professionally and personally.

What advice would you give new graduates?

Take time to find a job you love. It's easy to apply for a bunch of jobs immediately after graduation and take one of the first that's offered to you because you're afraid you won't get another. It's so important to take risks and to find a job you are truly passionate about, even if it isn't a full-time job with benefits right now. I would also highly recommend traveling as much as you can to explore other people and cultures.

What has your work life taught you?

I am capable, and I should trust myself and my training. I am much more willing to speak up to my colleagues and advocate for myself and my students based on my work experiences. In college, there were lots of examples and theoretical situations. In my work life, I have realized I should use my intuition and my knowledge to assist others.

What has been your biggest accomplishment since graduation?

I have become the coordinator for multiple and major events at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, developed schoolwide procedures at Excel Charter Academy, and I'm vice president of a comedy collective called Funny Girls. I'm very proud of making changes in all these fields.