Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Paola Ortega. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
What or who inspired you to pursue your major/career?
Deciding on a major was quite the bumpy journey for me. I started with Art Education, but it just didn’t feel right. After diving into an intro class, I switched to English in a heartbeat. My first English professor, Mr. Pollock, was so passionate about the subject, he convinced me to stick with it. I loved reading all kinds of genres and diving into books from various eras, but it was the real-world applications of those readings that really got me attached. Ultimately, it was the power of expressing ideas through writing that I fell in love with the most.
What is one thing you are proud of achieving in your life?
I’m proud of graduating college! The pandemic shifted many aspects of our lives, and one of those was our education system. Navigating college during the pandemic was like facing a constant storm of health uncertainties on top of endless Zoom lectures. Pushing through those challenges and earning my degree, then, was a very triumphant moment for me. My formal education may be over, but I am eager to keep learning as I traverse new experiences.
What keeps you motivated? What maintains your passion for and commitment to the work you are doing?
My motivation stems from the clear sight of societal and climate issues that need addressing. Simply put, there’s a lot of work to be done across various structures for us and future generations to live a better life. One might look at the current state of the world and think, “well, it’s all going to crash and burn so I might as well not care.” We haven’t seen progress because we have grown too complacent, resist any inconvenience that could lead to long-term benefits, and refuse to disobey. The most powerful tool we could have in our arsenal is steadfast optimism and the courage to stand up for what is right.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I am particularly grateful towards my family for helping me get to where I am today. They’ve truly been my anchor and compass throughout my academic journey, and I would not be the person I am today without their unconditional support. Every time I would be having a hard time at school, they would call me and instantly lift my spirits up. I am also thankful for my cat, Moose, whose sudden presence in my life nudged me towards chasing success.
Why did you choose to be an intern for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
As someone who believes in the power of education and its ability to empower individuals and communities, it was easy to choose E.R.E. for my internship. Their commitment to helping students with foundational skills beyond academics was appealing, and it aligns with my own interest for creating equitable and inclusive change. Before my internship with E.R.E., I didn’t know about social-emotional learning or teaching metacognition and executive functions. It’s been a game-changer to learn about these teaching strategies and how significant they are in the development of our youth. I’m excited to be part of an effort that’s all about fostering a lifelong love for learning.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
The core values that resonate with me the most are Empathy, Cultural Responsiveness, and Holistic Approach. The fact that E.R.E. focuses on nurturing each student’s unique strengths instead of taking the “one size fits all” approach is both inspiring and a relief. I believe education should be more than just academic success and reaching numbers; it should be about fostering a sense of self-worth and belonging in every child. E.R.E.’s holistic approach is bound to transform communities, and I’m excited to see its integration in more places. It’s like they’re planting seeds of confidence and skills that will grow into something amazing for the future of these youth.
What do you like to do in your free time?
During my downtime, I like to play fetch with my fluffy tuxedo cat, attempt to lift the heaviest weights my body can muster, and draw on my iPad. I also enjoy cooking recipes from other cultures (my current favorite is the Palestinian dish Musakhan). Right now, I’m looking to get back into reading regularly. I currently have a shelf full of “to be reads” that are gaining more dust each passing day. I’ve got to admit, I’m guilty of buying books faster than I can read them!
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
I’m an avid science fiction reader and I cannot overstate the impact Blindsight by Peter Watts had on me. It is an astounding example of a hard science fiction novel that delves into the nit and gritty of the human condition. Too many times I have been kept up pondering my place in the world, the Anthropocene, and why trees and shrubs invest so much of their energy to produce food for others to eat. Blindsight might have made my existentialism a bit worse, but it was an unforgettable rollercoaster of a read. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer had a similar impact on me. I have never read a more poignant and beautiful narrative about the relationship between humans and the land. I can’t recommend these books enough.
The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?
Get involved! The idea of entering new spaces may seem daunting, but the reward is truly invaluable. I recommend identifying issues you’re passionate about first and then finding groups or projects that address them. This hands-on involvement will not only broaden your understanding of societal needs but also helps you develop a network of like-minded individuals. In these challenging times, we need more community than ever before. As you find your people and settle in, you might find that your impact is inspiring others, just as you’re looking for inspiration.
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
One of my favorite quotes is, “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for” To me, it’s like sailing without a map. It means embracing the unknown, continuously learning and unlearning (which is incredibly relevant in life’s journey) and going with the flow. That’s exactly what I’m doing now: setting sail, taking risks, and finding my way through uncharted waters. I always give my all on whatever project I’m working on, and I believe I will reap the benefits in the future some way or another. Trust the process!
