Vanessa Miranda
November 2022
Vanessa Miranda
Grade Level: I am a Junior
Major: Liberal Studies: Human Development option
Campus Program/Involvement: I am a part of the MSTI program and the TTS program
Career Goal: I hope to teach in an Elementary School and potentially teach science in a middle or high school later down the line
Hobbies: When I am not working or in school, I like to catch up on all the sleep I can get or I end up taking the time to catch up on true crime documentaries or any of my other favorite tv shows or movies.
How has the MSTI Program helped you: The MSTI program has given me the opportunity to be able to work with first year teachers who have gone through the graduate programs at Dominguez Hills. I was able to learn so much from working as a TA through MSTI and I still work as a TA today. It has only strengthened my determination to continue to pursue a career as a teacher.
What keeps you motivated and positive throughout life's hardships?
Honestly, witnessing my upbringing and that of my parents has kept me inspired. My parents are both low-income, and neither of them were able to complete high school. I can clearly see how tirelessly my parents have encouraged me to pursue a higher degree of education and how hard they have worked. I can see how proud they are of me, and as I take it all in, I am reminded of why I am doing this. I am doing this for me, for my parents, for my future, and for myself. I do it because when I was younger, I never imagined that I would be the first person in my family to get a high school diploma and soon a bachelor's degree.
What advice would you like to give to your fellow scholars?
I encourage all scholars to take advantage of the benefits that programs at Dominguez Hills have to offer and ask as many questions as possible. Research and reach out to your advisor because they are there to help you. Take advantage of workshops and if at any point you find yourself struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on going to graduate school to get my masters degree along with a teaching credential and a second teaching credential in the foundational level of general science