My passion for teaching began with my own story as a student. Growing up in Taiwan, I was often bullied because of how I looked and where I came from. During that difficult time, one teacher, Lin Yizun, said something that stuck with me: 'No one can say you're not good enough because no one sees how hard you're working besides yourself.' That message of encouragement stayed with me — and it planted the seed for my dream of becoming a teacher who uplifts students the way my teachers uplifted me.
Years later, working as an intervention tutor in Compton, I witnessed how income disparities can create real barriers to learning. Many of my students were bright and capable, but they faced challenges far beyond the classroom. That experience strengthened my commitment to educational equity and inspired me to work in Title I schools, where I can help close opportunity gaps and provide students with the tools they need to succeed.
More recently, I’ve been student teaching in a 5th-grade class of 32 students — including 11 identified as G.A.T.E. (Gifted and Talented Education) learners. It’s been an eye-opening experience that taught me the importance of differentiation. From designing rigorous enrichment for advanced learners to ensuring every student feels seen and supported, I’ve learned that responsive teaching is not one-size-fits-all.
Together, these experiences have shaped my belief that every student — regardless of background, ability, or need — deserves a meaningful, inclusive, and high-quality education.