Lara's Educational Biography

Educational Background - Waiting for Godot

I jumped on the eternal road of being a learner when I was only 3 at my preschool.CrossRoads. I remember playing button, button who's got the button. That's also where I got my cat, Murphy. He was in a box outside my classroom - Dad was not happy. Too late, the little four year old Daddy's girl already loves it. Later, it was Maryland Grade School where Ms. Solvesky touched my life with the "Alphabet People." I dreaded Royal Palm Jr. High, but went when forced. Those awkward teen years are stored in my "Do not resuscitate" area of my memory. Finally, it was Washington High School where wonderful friends and memories were made. I graduated with honors but missed the top 3% by only one person ... that one person was my best friend. It's still a bone of contention for me.

I stayed on the endless road of education and at the age of 17, I packed up my bags, disappointed my Sun Devil mother and joined my brother down in Tucson at the good ole University of Arizona. There I lived in dorms for two years and later lived in an apartment in the middle of Cracktown, USA. Grudgingly, U of A does not offer great housing within biking distance. I was accepted into the College of Education after two years and finished up my academic work in just four. (No one told me I was supposed to prolong college life since it's so fun). Afterwards, I student taught in the district from which I graduated, Glendale Union High School District, at Thunderbird. I student taught with Jackie Schonearts in Jr. level English. After finishing that last semester, I graduated in December 1993 cum laude. I missed magna by about .10, and it's also been a bone of contention ever since.

I was hired as a long term sub at my alma mater for the Spring semester and over the summer I was hired at Cortez High School in Glendale Union High School District Fall 1994. I teach Spanish 1-2, 3-4 and English 1-2 Accelerated. Cortez is a hidden jewel in the district. We have a bad reputation but in actuality are filled with wonderful supportive staff members as well as students who impress me on a daily basis. At Cortez, I also sponsor the Peer Mediation group and head coach Varsity Women's Soccer.

It would seem that I have now come to the end of my road since I have obtained my career choice. Although technically, I do not have to pursue any more levels of education, I feel I could never be a satisfactory teacher without constantly updating my knowledge. Hence, I am here, at the enemy ASU West pursuing a Master's in Secondary Education with an emphasis on technology. I can feel a little more comfort that I'm not on the main campus, but I more importantly, I know I'll always be a Wildcat at heart! So, here I am back in school and I'm sure I will always be back in school. Therefore, waiting for the road of education to end is like Waiting for Godot. It just never comes!

Image courtesy of University of Arizona