How did you discover your passion for what you do?

Growing up, I have always loved interacting with kids. Being a teacher has always been an option for me, and as I dived deeper into my classes in college and the teaching experiences, my passion grew even deeper. The summer before my senior year, I visited the Dominican Republic on a ten-day study abroad trip with my university. We visited schools, experienced the culture, and explored the geography of the country. I fell in love with the country, culture, students and people that I met. My passion for education in this country grew, because I knew that they need more strategies and resources to improve their systems. I felt so strongly that this is where I am supposed to be. One year later, a week after I graduated, I moved here and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?

I would say that I live by the words “You are in charge of your own life.” I believe that if you want something, you can always work hard and get it done. There is always an action you can take to get something you desire. You just have to decide that you’re going to do it. I am very much a believer in we are all the leaders of ourselves. We are not responsible or in control of what happens to us or what the world gives us, we are only responsible for what we do with it and how we respond.

How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?

It’s really hard for me to stay connected since I live in another country. I’m trying to be active on Instagram, and that has helped. I actually got connected to a virtual Book Club last year, and I found out about it through Instagram. I have also recently signed up for a professional development workshop at the local university in my city. To stay connected, you definitely have to be proactive and go out and look for it. It’s not something you can be passive about.