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Language is the most fascinating peculiarity of the human species. Words, carefully crafted, can help us express our deepest feelings, describe our experiences, analyze our values, and manifest our visions. As speakers and writers, we constantly seek to improve our communication with others. I believe this pursuit is not only a vital part of any academic career, but an essential component in our personal development.
I grew up with books. Reading and writing were always a pleasure for me. I began writing poetry, short stories and songs at a young age, and my sisters and I loved to write and perform vaudevillian variety shows for my parents in the living room - often posting construction paper and crayon flyers with the curtain time on the kitchen door.
At thirteen, I began my first attempt at Conversation Analysis when I started charting and diagramming the humorous exchanges at the bus stop among my schoolmates. When I later discovered that this bizarre practice was actually part of a scientific field, I knew Linguistics was for me. At Los Angles Valley College I received the support and educational foundation to transfer to California State University, Northridge where I received a B.A. in Linguistics in June 2005. At CSUN I worked with international students in the Intensive English Program, designing and teaching five week courses in TOEFL speaking and university matriculation. The excitement and gratification of this experience inspired me to continue my studies in ESL. After I received my TESL certification, I traveled to Cuzco, Peru, where I lived and taught English for three months. I am currently pursuing an M.A. in TESL (Teaching English as a Second/Subsequent Language) at California State University, Northridge.
Beginning a new life in a new country can be a daunting adventure. Learning a new language as an adult requires both personal determination and a welcoming classroom environment. Teaching ESL at Valley College is about much more than just grammar, pronunciation and punctuation. Although these are essential, the classroom provides the opportunity to find common ground, to share goals, to laugh together and learn about the world through our experiences, and to encourage eachother to chase our dreams. I am honored to be a part of this adventure.
