Leaders of Lurie College

LEADERS OF LURIE COLLEGE

Stories from students, faculty & staff on their educator journeys

sjsu.edu/education

LEADERS OF lurie college Stories from students, faculty & staff on their educator journeys

The Lurie College of Education at San JosĂŠ State University is a place of transformation.

Our faculty, students, staff, and alumni are committed to doing work that is transformative.

We prepare educators who will make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities. We pursue research and scholarship that challenges the status quo and asks critical questions around equity, diversity, and inclusion. And we partner with education and community leaders to reimagine systems, structures, policies and practices to better serve our wonderfully diverse and vibrant region.

Many of those who engage with Lurie College experience their own personal and professional transformations. In the pages that follow you will hear first-hand accounts from members of our community who have grown from hesitant undergraduates into confident graduate students, from newly hired faculty members into full professors who are nationally recognized experts in their fields, and from individuals beginning their career exploration journeys to passionate leaders connected to a strong network of colleagues, mentors, and friends working together to make an impact locally and globally.

We are proud to call the students, faculty, staff, and alumni highlighted in these pages members of our Lurie college family. They embody what leadership means for our college, our university, and our larger community. Reading their stories is uplifting. At a time when our world faces many challenges, when newspapers and television pundits seem only to shout about problems and disparage potential solutions, these Leaders of Lurie represent hope. In their stories and their images I see a better future for us all.

I hope that you too are inspired by this collection of stories. And I invite you to learn more about the work of the Lurie College of Education, to join our family, and to become one of the Leaders of Lurie College!

With gratitude—

Heather Lattimer, Ed.D Dean and Professor Connie L. Lurie College of Education San JosĂŠ State University

LEADERS OF lurie college Stories from students, faculty & staff on their educator journeys

A special thank you to all of the SJSU Connie L. Lurie College of Education students, faculty, alumni, and staff who contributed their voices and images to this initiative.

Project concept, photography, and graphic design

by Brian Cheung Dooley, Communications Lead at the SJSU Connie L. Lurie College of Education.

Additional support provided by Lurie College Student Assistants, Kimberly Urrutia and Lena Lei.

sjsu.edu/education

STRENGTH "In the beginning, I was following someone else's dream to become something I was unsure of. Then, I took a leap of faith, changed career goals and found something I was more passionate about. Being able to connect with strong-minded people and learn more through my experiences helped shape me as a person. Thanks to those opportunities, I've become galvanized to continue my journey to get my Masters."

Ada Le | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

ACTIVIST "Alfred A. Montapert said, 'Your life will be no better than the plans you make and the action you take. You are the architect and builder of your own life, fortune, and destiny.' A higher education was not meant for me and I have had to face plenty of adversities to reach my dream of obtaining a higher education! As an educator now, I make sure to encourage and teach my students to be activists for themselves and for their communities."

Alondra Rios-Cervantes | Graduate student, Special Education

ADVENTUROUS "Growing up as a fifth-generation resident of a small town in Michigan, my only adventures came from reading books. Being the first in my family to attend college was a huge step, filled with fear and uncertainty.

Surprisingly, I discovered my adventurous spirit and sought out opportunities to continue learning and growing. I student taught in Australia and then accepted a teaching job in Japan. I now use my adventurous spirit to encourage my students to trust themselves and to take risks."

Amy Gutierrez | Alumni and faculty, Counselor Education

GRATEFUL "My passion for education was modeled to me by my grandfather, who helped raise me. A former farmworker with a fifth grade education, my grandfather had a hunger for learning and reading that inspired me to take advantage of every resource possible in college, graduate school, and my career. I’m grateful to be working for SJSU and the College of Education because I see a genuine passion for learning all around me and a strong commitment to expand educational opportunities for others."

Ana Paz-Rangel | Staff, Ed.D Leadership program

INSPIRED "Seven years ago, I left my home country, Colombia, to come to the Golden State. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to continue my professional growth. Now I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Education and Counseling. I have met brilliant professors who have inspired me during this journey to become an educator.

They have taught me the importance of staying actively aware of social justice. I am committed to support, motivate, guide, and inspire other students through their education and success."

Angela Gullerud | Graduate student, Counselor Education

DETERMINED "Navigating the higher education system as a first-generation student has been a stressful, and at times, discouraging journey. Through all of the obstacles, I have stayed determined and focused on continuing my education because my educational achievements do not solely belong to me. They belong to my family, my ancestor's, my community, and all of the individuals who have believed in me and invested in me along my journey."

Angela Serrano | Graduate student, Counselor Education

COMMUNITY "As an educator I want to help empower the students I work with so they can help their communities thrive. I am a strong believer that education has the power to create sustainable growth from within our communities. I hope to play a small role in dismantling systems of oppression by helping students plan and achieve their academic goals. The students I work with daily have inspired me to continue my development and pursue a Masters degree in Education to help make higher education accessible."

Angelie Lรณpez | Graduate student, Counselor Education

EQUITY-MINDED "Education is the arena where I find the most joy in providing service to others. My career is dedicated to leveling the playing field for students who are struggling academically, living in poverty, experiencing race-based microaggressions, and/or other risk factors. Guided by a transformative lens, my life's work of "Bridging the Gap for Students of Promise" is to promote human rights and social justice advocacy through propelling systemic changes in unjust educational systems."

Annette Kennedy | Doctoral student, Ed.D Leadership program

resilient "My journey to college was rough from the very beginning. I am the first one in my family to graduate from a university and I had to do all by myself. During my four years I faced numerous setbacks - I was involved in a sexual assault case, my mother and father both had surgery, my dad had two strokes, and I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Despite all of these setbacks I was able to maintain a positive outlook and I will be graduating in the fall."

Ashley Lamboley | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

FIRST-GENERATION "As the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college, I found it pretty challenging to navigate the university environment and culture as an undergraduate student; however, getting connected to campus resources such as student organizations, on-campus employment, and staff and faculty made me feel a lot more supported, so I encourage my fellow first-generation college students to seek out similar resources and support networks!"

Brian Cheung Dooley | Staff, Dean's office

resilient "I have defied the odds that life has often organized not to be in my favor and am now determined to build my career in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Whatever the title, I want to support college students on their path of self-discovery. I gained resilience through my hardships and acknowledge the true power of a support system. If it was not for the community I gained during my undergraduate experience at SJSU, I would not be who I am today."

Briettny Curtner | Graduate student, Counselor Education

grateful "As a shy undergraduate, I was unaware of the amount of growth I'd experience in four short years. Upon entering the Lurie College of Education however, I've learned concepts I'll remember for the rest of my years, collaborated with professionals and professors on larger-than-life projects, and become close friends with my amazing peers. Through this college, I have grown academically and socially due to the relationships I've built.

I now hold my head high, and am confident for what lies ahead."

Charline Tenorio | Undergraduate student, Communicative Disorders & Sciences

CHANGE AGENT "Growing up, my mother always pushed education. From an early-age, I knew that higher education was the vehicle I would use to enhance my life. As a leader in our public schools, I hope to share this message to our youth."

Claudio Soria | Graduate student, Counselor Education

Community-Based COMMUNITY-BASED "I came to SJSU as a transfer student and moving to a new city and school was a challenge but I was able to overcome my obstacles by the support and motivation from my professors and my fellow peers here. The Lurie College of Education provided me with opportunities to collaborate with others and grow as a person and educator. I am grateful to have been part of a positive learning environment. The Lurie College of Education became a second home for me where I was able to make life long connections."

Corina Mora | Graduate student, Teacher Education

INSPIRE inspire "After working four incredible years at a title I elementary school, I realized it is imperative that educators attract young students to the idea that education offers the best chance to reach limitless possibilities. My experience with the Lurie College of Education has provided a platform for me to inspire young children in a classroom setting and be living proof that with an education, opportunities are limitless."

DeAnte Whitman | Graduate student, Teacher Education

GRATITUDE gratitude "Feeling nervous about being in school for the first time after so many years away, let alone as a graduate student, I couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful experience. From my first day at the Lurie College of Education, I finally felt like I had found my calling. Surrounded by inspiring professors and like-minded colleagues, I found a place where I belonged. I’ve also formed life-long bonds with some of the most amazing people. For that alone, I am forever grateful to this school."

Diba Mirlohi | Graduate student, Teacher Education

Influential INFLUENTIAL "I always wanted to help save lives as a doctor. I never thought that I can impact lives in any other way. But here I am, graduating in Fall 2019 with my masters degree in counselor education along with my PPS and LPCC. I finally get to make a difference and help make an impact in people's lives. Being an educator is to continue educating kids, their families, and their communities. But it also means that every single person I encounter, I will learn something as well."

Doaa Abdelrahman | Graduate student, Counselor Education

PASSIONATE "Education has always played an important role in my life. Since I began volunteering with teachers at ten years old, I become a regular volunteer with a first grade teacher at my elementary school. As I got older she allowed me to teach her class a few times which was when I knew that I wanted to become an elementary school teacher. Here at SJSU I have found many resources and opportunities to achieve that goal and the encouragement to reach my long-term goal of becoming Secretary of Education."

Edith Urbano | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

LANGUAGING "When I hear our students talk, just talk, around us I feel a thrill that reminds me of the joy of being a learner and a teacher, back in my origins in Spain and Oakland. Just the other day I was going down the stairs at Sweeney Hall and I heard three students lively communicating with gestures, in English, in Spanish... all of the above. I want a future rich in living culture, experiences, creative languaging, hybrid identities where all our children can thrive. Language without limits."

Eduardo MuĂąoz-MuĂąoz | Faculty, Teacher Education

Compassionate COMPASSIONATE "I was born deaf and grew up with American Sign Language (ASL). I am the only deaf member in my family, and I would not be who I am if it was not for my deafness. I had aspired to be many things, including a computer programmer. It was not until I served as a TA at a community college that I realized how much I enjoyed working with students, who demonstrated strong interest in learning ASL. I knew by then that I wanted to teach. Today, I am truly privileged to be a Deaf Education lecturer."

Everett Smith | Faculty, Special Education

KINDNESS "I come from a family of educators. My mom was a middle and high school teacher for many years. During her teaching career, she compiled many compelling stories and was happy to share them. After having some experiences with teaching, I now appreciate even more the quality of the connections she made with her students, as they have stayed in touch in different ways throughout the years. I want to be like her!"

George Kerber | Graduate student, Teacher Education

Dedicated DEDICATED "This journey has not been easy and neither is this profession which a lot of people don’t understand. Both teachers and teacher candidates put in long hours on top of long weeks just to educate our youth. On top of that, student teachers do not get paid for their time and this program is too hard to hold a job during that.

Times are tough for student teachers!"

Hannah Hoagland | Graduate student, Teacher Education

Encore ENCORE Educator EDUCATOR "I got an MBA in my 20’s and worked for 25+ years in marketing and management roles. Education has been woven throughout my vocational journey. I am now 51, and a proud member of EdD cohort four, slated to graduate May 2020. I recently got hired by SJSU’s Lucas College of Business as an adjunct lecturer in marketing and business analytics. I also work in SJSU’s Writing Center. My research and teaching is focused on student voice and student success, both in and out of the classroom."

Heidi Livingston Eisips | Doctoral student, Ed.D Leadership program

Transformational "As part of the Ed.D program, I was inspired by the amazing faculty members who I had the privilege of learning from along with my "coHEART-3" members. My experience in this intimate doctoral program prepared me to be a thoughtful, compassionate, and protagonist leader. It sharpened my critical thinking skills related to issues of equity, access, and inclusion in regard to our complex educational system. It also affirmed and validated all the reasons why I chose to work in higher education. I am clearer on what I must do to help each of our students reach their full potential and academic goals!"

Hyon Chu Yi-Baker | Doctoral student, Ed.D Leadership program

Inspired INSPIRED "During my graduate studies, I taught ESL classes at institutions in the US-Mexico border. The students I met then, have been a great source of inspiration. From the students that crossed the border to attend college with little or no English proficiency to the sixty-five-year-old grandmother who wanted to learn English to communicate with her grandchildren, I learned there are no barriers to what one can do and that it is never too late to learn something new."

Isabel Vallejo | Staff, Dean's office

Community-Based COMMUNITY-BASED "Growing up, my father told me two things: you can do anything you set your mind to, and that nothing was more important than education. His emphasis on its importance inspires me to educate youth today, not only to continuously learn and grow, but to provide opportunity and critical thinking so that communities can thrive with happy, healthy, and prideful people. What better job is there than to mentor, support, inspire, and teach?!"

JeanĂŠe Natov | Graduate student, Teacher Education

Resilient RESILIENT "I really wouldn’t count it as an education story or journey but as an educational uplifting. Ever since elementary school, I recall teachers and staff that would take on many roles for the special education students due to the low funding there for staffing. Classes were doubled in size and teachers were given students in which they had no preparation nor instruction for it. And as times keep evolving and educators are being unappreciated, there will no longer be anyone left to instruct."

Jennifer Hernandez | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

Passionate PASSIONATE "San JosĂŠ State University was always my first choice for college because of its stellar teacher preparation program and affordability. I always had a dream to someday work at SJSU and enrolled again to complete my M.A. at the age of 57. Upon retiring after 38 years of teaching of teaching, I am now able to share my passion of teaching with aspiring individuals who understand the importance of equity in education to allow every student to be successful to pursue their own dreams."

Jewel Knofler | Alumni and faculty, Teacher Education

First-Generation FIRST-GENERATION "As the daughter of an immigrant woman, the youngest of six children, and the first to attend college, I feel immense gratitude to receive the privilege that is education. Although the road to get here has been far from easy, what I've found is that persistence and hard work always wins. By adopting a growth mindset, I began to grow academically, professionally, and personally in ways I never imagined. So no matter where you are in your journey, know that determination will get you far."

Justine Huynh Vuong | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

BECOMING BRAVE "Graduate school was a chance to do all of the things I regretted not taking advantage of in my undergraduate program. Activities I missed out on in undergrad that I took advantage of this time around included, working on campus, connecting with my peers, going on an SJSU outdoor adventures trip, and participating in many other campus events. Graduate school was one of the most rewarding challenges of my life and I am so glad I took the risk. I am courageously ready for a career in education."

Kahlie Koehler | Graduate student, Counselor Education

Grateful GRATEFUL "It took me a really long time to get into a four-year university. But I did it, I'm at SJSU and I am very grateful that I am here. I finally accomplished what I wanted for so long. So remember to never give up & to keep pushing through no matter how long it takes. Believe in yourself that you can do it & stay positive!"

Kim Tayaotao | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

LIFELONG LEARNER "Being a faculty member at SJSU allows me to continually learn new information and new teaching methods.

Each time I teach a course I learn so much from my students. I encourage every student to share their thoughts and ideas because everyone's insight or understanding is so important. I enjoy using different teaching methods that engage students and hopefully encourage my students to become lifelong learners as well. SJSU is a great place for everyone to learn."

Krissy Connell | Faculty, Child & Adolescent Development

Nontraditional NONTRADITIONAL "I became a first-time college student at 31. With such a large gap in my education, I feared i'd fail. Thankfully, I was wrong. My life experiences had changed my priorities, values, and motivations. Knowing the risks involved if I didn't fully commit to my education, I became the best version of a student i'd ever been. I went from not knowing if I could hack it, to getting A's and exceeding my own expectations. I'm proud to be a nontraditional student, because I know now just how capable I am."

Liz Kidd | Undergradate student, Communicative Disorders & Sciences

Latinx LATINX "I lived in six Latin American countries before moving to the US at 16. I may not have a hometown, but I have a good understanding of how varied history, politics, and economics shape cultural practices (and vice versa), including how people are labeled and how those labels affect educational opportunity. I am proud to work with teachers learning how to affirm students' cultures and help them be agents in their own schooling so that all students, regardless of their labels, can thrive and learn."

Luis Poza | Faculty, Teacher Education

Visionary visionary "I, like many, chose to attend college to try and live out my dreams and make the world a better place. I have hopes of the world becoming a more accessible place for those who may not fit the majority’s idea of "normal".

My focus is on the Deaf culture - the culture I call my own as a CODA from a generationally Deaf family. One day I'll be a part of a large movement for accessibility and maybe owning a healthcare practice where everyone employed is fluent in ASL and well-versed in Deaf culture."

Luna Johnson Lopez | Undergraduate student, Special Education

TRANSFORMATIVE "I believe that education is the foundation of success. As I become an educator, I want to make a difference in education. I believe that all children should receive the best education available to them regardless of their socioeconomic status or their race. This is why I want to become a counselor and work with high school students who live in low-income communities to motivate, inspire and to encourage students to strive for success."

Luz Nicacio | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

Persistent persistent "Growing up I had a wonderful 4th grade teacher that told me that I could go to college. She inspired me to become a teacher and inspire other students to believe in themselves. Coming from an immigrant and low income family was hard to reach the doors of college. SJSU Lurie College of Education has provided the tools I need to be in the path of graduating in summer 2019."

Maria Lemus | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

Inquisitive INQUISITIVE "My experiences as both a student and an educator left me with many questions about the education system and how schools do, or do not, support students. The College of Education provided me with the tools and support I needed to seek answers and continue asking questions in pursuit of inclusive and effective schools for all students. I am grateful to the faculty for fostering this inquisitiveness and for guiding future educators to be thoughtful, self-reflective critical thinkers."

Melanie Chong | Graduate student, Special Education

ambitious AMBITIOUS "Through a Child Development academy from Foothill College in their Family Engagement Institute (FEI), I found that my passion was being in the educational field by working with families and children in the academy. I later worked for FEI and found myself advising high school students and adults into pursing their higher education.

I then received my AS in Early Childhood Developent and transferred to SJSU."

Melissa Hernandez | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

Lifelong LIFELONG Learner LEARNER "Education has been a safe haven over the years, leaving me with fond memories from kindergarten through graduate school. In addition to classes; sports, student government and Work Study enhanced my experience by connecting me to positive role models and mentors – preparing me for the world of work, where learning never ceases. Therefore, as an instructor, I am passionate about engaging students in their learning process so they can also develop a love for learning and become a lifelong learner."

Michele Burns | Alumni and faculty, Counselor Education

Persistent PERSISTENT "I came from a dysfunctional home; my parents never went to college. We lived off food stamps, welfare, section 8, and school food programs. I obtained my AA degree and transferred to SJSU. Graduating in December 2019 is not something I thought I would ever be able to achieve. I hope to become an inspiration to all the future students and their families that nothing can keep you from catching a star. It may have taken me 10 years to get here but I AM HERE!"

Michelle Del Real | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

Advocate ADVOCATE "In the summer before my senior year of undergrad, I had an amazing internship in Japan, where I got to mentor and teach Japanese high school students through an empowerment-focused program. After this experience, I realized that I was passionate about working with students and wanted to pursue a career in education, where I would have the opportunity to empower students daily."

Nicole Ellis | Graduate student, Counselor Education

CHANGE-MAKER "My journey to becoming an educator likely began from visits to my mother's classroom as a child, being amazed by her impact on students. In school and college, I had great luck finding passionate, inspired teachers.

Discovering speech-language pathology, I learned that being a clinician and researcher is a relentless pursuit of selfless teaching and discovery, aimed at improving lives of persons with communication disorders. College made my dreams come true; it's a privilege to pay that forward!"

Nidhi Mahendra | Faculty, Communicative Disorders & Sciences

DOCTORAL STUDENT "The Ed.D program experience has enriched and helped me evolve in ways that I never imagined. The incredible faculty and my cohort members in the Ed.D. program have made a significant contribution to my research and critical thinking skills. In three years of the program, I have learned more about myself as a person and as a leader. I now feel confident and prepared to apply the knowledge, skills and perspectives I have gained through the program to be a passionate and transformative leader."

Radha Aravamudhan | Doctoral student, Ed.D Leadership program

mentor MENTOR "When I was a student, I often felt overwhelmed when trying to balance all of my coursework and career decisions. By joining peer groups and attending many workshops on campus, I connected with fantastic mentors who were critical in helping me build professional skills and knowledge, much of which were not covered in my courses. This inspired me to focus on becoming a mentor myself, passing along the advice I have picked up throughout my education journey and encouraging others to do the same!"

Rayna Friendly | Faculty, Child & Adolescent Development

CONSISTENT "As a single mom of two with a full-time career, the thought of college was overwhelming, yet I wanted so much to earn my degree. I justified why I shouldn’t pursue it. “I’m too old, I wouldn’t fit in, I’m scared” were my thoughts.

My head told me no, but my heart told me otherwise. So I began my journey. I attended part-time, stayed consistent, and earned my BA and my MA. I encourage anyone in this position to listen to your heart if it speaks to you. If we are not challenging ourselves, we are not growing."

Rose Hunter | Alumni, Counselor Education

EQUITY EDUCATOR "I fell in love with my position as an elementary inclusion educator in Oakland Unified School District. The work of inclusion made sense to me and I see the value in co-teaching and supporting ALL learners. Like many of my students at SJSU, I earned my credential while working as an intern teacher, so I truly understand first-hand what it's like! Ultimately, the support of the professors in my credential program propelled me to ask more questions and pursue a Ph.D. in Special Education!"

Saili Kulkarni | Faculty, Special Education

Courageous COURAGEOUS "Looking back at my academic journey I am grateful for all of the obstacles that I have faced as a first-generation college student. Taking the less traveled route in my family led me to education which is a powerful tool that has transformed the way I see the world. I want to support, encourage, and guide ALL students towards achieving their academic goals and finding a career that they are passionate about. If I can help one person change their life with education, I have reached my goal as an educator."

Sandra Arias | Graduate student, Counselor Education

Perseverance PERSEVERANCE "In the 4th grade, I was given an award for "perseverance". At the time, I did not know what the term meant. Fast forward to today, I would say that I overcame a lot of adversity, especially being a first-generation student. As students, we owe it to ourselves to try hard and go after what we want, despite the difficulties. In the end we gain life experiences and we become more resilient, all because we chose to never give up. The 4th grade version of myself would be extremely proud of me today."

Saul Ruiz | Staff, Student Success Center

Compassionate COMPASSIONATE "The teachers I've had throughout my life were examples of what kind of a teacher I want and don't want to be.

The different experiences I've had with children that I have encountered inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming an educator and a role model. Children that crossed my path taught me many things about myself and pushed me to become who I am today. I am not only an educator but also a learner."

Shania Mardilejos | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

Diligent DILIGENT "I was young and sensitive in the beginning of my educational journey. It is through my passion to complete my Master’s project, my energy to be a full-time preschool teacher, and my beloved partner that kept me motivated. I would have never gotten this far if it wasn’t for the support of my cohort, staff and faculty, my family, and everyone else who inspired me to be the person I am today. SJSU Lurie College of Education is the home where I grew up and has led me to do wonderful things."

Shannon Ma | Graduate student, Teacher Education

Empowerment EMPOWERMENT "One of the greatest days of your life is when you discover your why. Student development is my why. My vision is to empower individuals through career decision self-efficacy so they can discover a purposeful life. As an aspiring higher education professional, my mission is to identify the students’ aspirations along with their unique strengths. I want students to know they have the potential in themselves to maximize their social mobility despite the perceived limitations they may encounter."

Sharon Quach | Graduate student, Counselor Education

Perseverance PERSEVERANCE "Growing up with a sister with cerebral palsy set no limits. She was in the special education system from 18 months until 5th grade. She was fully included starting at 6th grade. She earned her B.A. at SJSU and now is a master's student here. As for me, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD in 5th grade. I received services since 5th grade and I graduated from CSU, Monterey Bay with honors. I want to become a teacher for children with disabilities so I can help them become successful citizens."

Summer Faso | Credential student, Special Education

Passionate PASSIONATE "Working with children is a strong passion of mine, and something I have loved to do in all phases of my life.

During my undergraduate degree, I worked at a preschool and realized that I wanted to become a teacher because every time I saw a students' "lightbulb" moment, it was a fulfilling moment for me as well. Going through my credential program, I have had many moments that confirmed that teaching is a passion for me and I am excited to continue this passion as I start my career as a teacher!"

Sydney Matthews | Graduate student, Teacher Education

Passionate PASSIONATE "Eleven years ago, I was disoriented and discouraged by so many obstacles when I first step my foot into this new land from Vietnam. However, what ran through my blood was the undying passion of becoming someone who would make differences. SJSU and the Lurie College of Education helped me completing my journey of becoming a school teacher, who will guide the new generation. I believe everyone has the innate ability to be successful, and I want to be a part of that process."

Tuan Dam | Graduate student, Teacher Education

rediscovered REDISCOVERED "I was constantly told I should become a teacher, and I thought about it; however, when I finished my bachelor's I was over school. I went through a series of effortless jobs to find that I needed more out of life. It was then I realized that I was ready to become a teacher to make a difference and be challenged."

Victoria Guinnane | Graduate student, Teacher Education

Patience PATIENCE "For years, I was uncertain about what I wanted to do with my future. My friends and I had been running a nonprofit organization for several years, promoting inclusion for kids with disabilities through skateboarding. I recently realized that I was meant to work with kids with disabilities, thus beginning my journey to become a Special Education teacher. I feel it is important for incoming students to understand that life may not go as planned, but with patience everything will fall into place."

Zane Samarasinghe | Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development

Connie L. Lurie College of Education One Washington Square San JosĂŠ, CA 95192-0071

Sweeney Hall 103 | sjsu.edu/education | 408-924-3600 | luriecollege@sjsu.edu | @sjsulurie