Autobiography Of Collage

Teaching Brenda for three years; Advanced Geometry in 8th grade, Pre-Calculus in 10th grade, and AP Calculus in 11th grade, is a true pleasure as a teacher. Brenda's greatest academic strength is her ability to break down the difficult mathematics into manageable steps that all of her classmates understand. Last year, Brenda decided to create her own tutoring session for her fellow classmates in Pre-Calculus. Often expressing to me that the class was her favorite class, the content was easy for her to understand, but she also understood that many of her peers were struggling. Every morning before school, she would assist anyone willing to come for assistance. I often tell my students that sometimes they only need to hear it from someone else to understand the material fully. Brenda took this statement to heart wanting to explain the mathematics in different ways until her classmates understood. As a tutor, she demonstrated patience and understanding with students who couldn't grasp the material as quickly as she could. I never suggested
that she do this, but rather she did it to help others and out of the enjoyment of the Pre-Calculus content. Based on her tutoring, many of my students began and continued to improve their understanding and performance in my class.

Not only has Brenda tutored her peers in the mathematics she is taking, she also tutors Algebra I students after school. Many Algebra I students have benefited from her constant assurance and encouragement that they can understand the algebra material. Without Brenda, many of our students would have fallen behind during this critical formative year of high school mathematics. Brenda is a naturally caring person with a strong helping orientation personality, who consistently demonstrates her unique ability to assist others. Her consistently positive attitude enables her to comfortably interact with her peers, teachers, and community.

Brenda moved to the United States when she was six years old.
Born to a teenage single mother, it was a struggle to adjust to her new life. Brenda faced additional stressors including the family's economic struggles, culture shock, and being caught between two cultures and languages. Brenda describes feeling confused and scared during this time period, but that the introduction of her step-father gave her a true sense of "family". During this time she describes struggling with English, but that mathematics was her joy. Her love of mathematics continues to this day as she often tells me that she truly loves math. Through determination and focus, Brenda learned to adjust along with being proud to speak Spanish and English fluently. She speaks admiringly of her mother's struggle to make her life better and is committed to reaching her full potential. Brenda is a young lady who has faced adversity head on and beat
it.

In 6th grade, after watching an open heart surgery, Brenda was determined that she wanted to be a cardiologist. Since that time, Brenda has actively researched her career choice often asking if particular mathematics concepts relate to the profession or the schooling she will need to achieve her goal. Brenda understands the huge pressure and commitment required in pursuing cardiology, but she is passionate about saving lives. The Governor's Scholar Program would give Brenda the unique opportunity to share her passion with like-minded peers.

Brenda has had perfect attendance for her entire schooling. School is her top priority, and never misses the opportunity to learn something new. I am confident that Brenda would thrive in the unique opportunity that the Governor's Scholar Program has to offer.