Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Gloria. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Gloria, Tell us a bit about your backstory and what lead you down your current life path.
Growing up I struggled with my studies. My dad worked nights and my mom could not read in English, so I turned to my teachers for guidance and assistance on homework or questions that I had on various concepts taught in class. At a young age, I realized how valuable teachers are to their students. I always valued their help. Without their assistance, I knew I would have truly struggled. That is why I decided to become a teacher. I wanted to make a difference in a child’s life. I wanted not only to help kids learn how to read and write but I also wanted to help them see that they could accomplish any goal.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
My grandmother had a rough childhood. She grew up in extreme poverty in rural Kentucky. She did not have an education past the 8th grade. She would always tell me, “no matter what happens in life, people cannot take away your education.” She always encouraged me when it came to school and wanted to see me succeed in life. She taught me that education can take you anywhere in life.
What do you enjoy most about teaching/tutoring, Gloria?
I love teaching and tutoring because it allows me to help others. I also learn a lot from my own students. I feel a true purpose in life by helping others especially when a child has an “a ha” moment.” There is nothing better than a child figuring out a math problem or reading question that they thought they couldn’t answer.
When you aren’t tutoring, what do you like to do in your free time?
I love music. I listen to everything except country music. I have been to almost 400 concerts. Concerts are a great place to connect with others who have similar interests. I also enjoy hearing the opening bands because it allows me to hear bands I may not have otherwise heard of. I plan on taking guitar lessons after everything settles down.
Tell about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?
I wish I traveled more, but a trip that I truly enjoy was my trip to Punta Cana in 2016. This was the first and only destination wedding that I ever attended. Plus this was the only trip I ever went on with many cousins, aunts, and uncles. I had a great time exploring the Dominican Republic with my cousins. We spend a lot of time trying various restaurants, went parasailing, wave running, and had lots of laughs.
If you were granted three wishes, what would they be and why?
If I were granted three wishes I would wish to end worldwide poverty, provide an education to all, and have medical care for all. I feel that medical care is a human right that all people must have in life. I also feel that so many people struggle to find shelter, food, or water. It makes me sad when I think of the various hardships that so many people face. I would like to end poverty and hunger so people would not have to worry about where is their next meal or worry about where they will sleep at night. I also feel that all people deserve an opportunity to go to college or a trade school to better themselves. People should not have to worry about the cost of school. Their focus should be on the classes, rather than the cost.
gloria, is there something exciting you are working on now? What is it and why did you choose to start it?
I am currently working on my second master’s degree. I am pursuing a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) degree. I started in January 2019 and I have four more classes left in the program. I have taught full-time while getting my degree. I teach at a school that has a high population of English Language Learners (ELLs) and I wanted to make sure that my lessons meet the needs of all my students. The last year has been extremely chaotic between remote teaching and everything going on in the world around us. I am proud of myself for not giving up even when I faced various obstacles such as both of my parents contracting COVID-19.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
I enjoyed the book Tuesdays with Morrie. My grandfather died from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It is a very painful and debilitating disease. I read the book shortly after my grandpa’s diagnosis. I enjoyed the book because it allowed me to gain a better understanding of what to expect regarding my grandpa’s diagnosis.
What are you most passionate about, Gloria? Can you share a story?
I am very passionate about animal rescue. I have fostered over two dozen dogs over the years. I also adopted four dogs that are all rescues. I have volunteered for various animal rescues and organized fundraisers at my school for these rescues. I am also an advocate for pit bulls. I feel they are often judged by their appearance rather than their personality. My furbaby Daisy is a pit bull. She is 11 and is a gentle white pit bull. She was kicked out of a moving car, needed extensive surgery, and spent months in physical therapy. The day she was discovered by Reach Out Rescue, I knew I had to help. I took her to every doctor’s appointment, surgery, and physical therapy appointment. I was her foster mom at the time. When she was finally recovered enough to be adopted out, I knew I could not give her up and decided to make her a permanent addition to the pack.
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
I like to live by the Golden Rule. I think it is important that everyone treats others the way you want to be treated. I live by this motto by trying my best to be kind to others regardless of the situation. I may not know what someone else is going through personally, that is why I simply try to be kind to all.
