Journey to Educate: From Drexel to Impact

I am a Drexel legacy — my mom attended Drexel back in the day. I switched my major many times, but elementary education had a special place in my heart.

From being in Drexel's School of Education (SoE), I have gathered so many special experiences, from being on practicum/field placements around the Philadelphia area to now being on co-op. Drexel SoE has been truly a gift, allowing me to have field experiences in schools like: Alaine Locke, Morton McMichael, Samuel Powel, and now Henry C. Lea. My field experiences at multiple West Philly schools has provided me with deep insights for when I become an educator.

I encountered different cultures, some of the best food I have ever tasted and some fulfilling experiences.

In September 2023, from working super hard and giving back to the community of Philadelphia in all that I could, I was awarded one of the three spots for a fully funded co-op from Lisa and John McNichol, demonstrating a commitment to early child education in the Philadelphia area. As someone who grew up between Dover, DE (a small town) and Washington D.C. (a huge diverse city), moving to Philadelphia was a big change. Since Drexel is an urban campus, I was thrown right into the "nitty gritty," as I call it. I encountered different cultures, some of the best food I have ever tasted and some fulfilling experiences.

I have been a member of Drexel's Latinos for a United Campus, serving as program associate for one year. I was a member of the Drexel Black Student Union. I also have had the wonderful opportunity to be a student mentor for the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, partnering with Transitions Pathways, where I mentored students with autism transitioning from high school to the career force. With Drexel SoE, I have also worked with Action for Early Learning for their West Philadelphia Kindergarten Bridge Program as a summer kindergarten teacher at Powel Elementary School. Lastly, I had the wonderful opportunity to be an early intervention tutor for three months at two schools as well, helping West Philly students with reading.