Today, for the "Women's History Month" celebration, I would like to introduce this gorgeous and sweet young woman
Meet Jennifer Gomez, 33, daughter, sister, English, French and Spanish teacher..
My English learning journey started in second grade, specifically in January 1997, in a small school in the heart of Colombia. Growing up, I was always a good student, but something about the English language caught my attention, and for some reason, I was good at it. My goals were always clear, and as I grew up, there was always an urge to do things differently; sometimes, I felt that I did not "fit in" and that making friends was not my strength. Instead, I would stay home and listen to music in English or watch MTV for hours. At that point, I wanted to become proficient in English to understand the music lyrics I liked. I was not the girl who wanted to play with other kids or play sports all the time; I was more introverted and shy, and I was a victim of bullying.
When I was close to graduating high school, I decided to attend college and become a language teacher. Most of the people that have made a significant impact in my life have been my teachers, and one of them was my English teacher in 7th grade, who came back to my life years later in college. In 2007 I was admitted to a college where I studied for five years and became certified in teaching Spanish, English, and French, but my heart always told me that English was the best option for me.
While attending college, I volunteered to work on a project that helped employees from the tourism industry to learn English. Our city was becoming a popular tourist destination then, and I saw it as an opportunity to become more confident and share what I had learned with the community. To this day, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.
Life went on, and in 2013 I had the opportunity to become an Au Pair, so I packed up my life in a suitcase and came to America to make my dreams come true. I have worked very hard since I came to this country and ended up working different jobs that never fulfilled me.
One day after losing my father and reflecting on what I wanted to do with my life, I realized that I had to pursue my dream of teaching. I started as an Educational Technician; then, I got my first job in a public school and started working with the ELL population, then I became a Foreign Language teacher, and here I am four years later, teaching French, having a Spanish Club after school and working with a group of Newcomers who joined our school back in the fall. Today, I look back and think how life-changing this journey has been for me. Thinking about making my dad proud was my biggest motivation the day I decided to change everything around me, which still is to this day.
Learning a second language is a long process, and it is not easy, but it is doable. I relate with the English Language Learners that come to our schools in many ways. I want to be involved in the process of a young learner that comes to this country to learn English and start a new life. I want to help them in any way I can and eventually become an ESL teacher. This journey that I started a few years ago is only the beginning of my getting to where I want to be, and I am grateful for the opportunities given to me.
Jenni's favorite quote is:
"Love what you do and do what you love. Don't listen to anyone else who tells you not to do it. You do what you want, what you love." -- Ray Bradbury.
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Thank you, Jenni, for sharing tou story and empowering others!
#womenshistorymonth #womansupportingwomen #womanpower #mainephotographer
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