Autobiography
Born in Honolulu, Hawai’i on June 1, 1967, I am the daughter of Severina Samoy Miguel, and Dionisio Ortiz Miguel. I am the youngest of 6 children, 5 girls and one boy. I was raised Catholic in a very diverse, multicultural community. I lived among so many racially diverse backgrounds and had so many wonderful experiences, that I believe I am a better person because of it. I attended an all women’s Catholic high school, Sacred Hearts Academy. This school gave me a strong foundation, and helped me to understand and believe that woman can be successful at anything they wish to accomplish and attain. I attended the University of Oregon upon high school graduation in 1985, and earned a bachelor’s of science degree from the School of Journalism, with an emphasis on advertising and graphic design.
After moving to Portland in 1992 with my husband, Ismael, and son Patrick Anthony, we made a choice for me to stay home and raise our family. We now have 2 sons, Patrick and Cameron (ages 14 and 11). I enjoyed every minute of being home and raising my children. I think that experience alone has helped me develop many skills that has led me to a career in teaching. By raising a family, I needed to be able to multi-task, communicate with children of all ages, and be responsible for everything around me.
After my children got a little older and more independent, I worked for the Beaverton School District, at Aloha Park Elementary School. There I worked with the Title One literacy program, as well as with its Special Education program. After being among students everyday for four years, I realized education was my true calling. It was quite an epiphany, where one Sunday afternoon, I found myself applying online for Pacific University’s Master’s of Arts In Teaching Program. I am in the middle of my program now, and enjoying every minute of it. I’ve learned a lot about myself that I didn’t know six months ago. I’ve learned that with hard work, anything is possible.
Currently, I am a student teacher at Terra Linda Elementary School, which is in the Beaverton School District. I am working in a first/second grade blend, as well as in a fifth grade classroom. I am learning great teaching methods from wonderful seasoned teachers, Mrs. Clement and Mrs. McIntyre. They have taken huge leaps of faith in being my mentor teachers, and I truly appreciate their guidance, patience and unbelievable ability to teach me, all while teaching their own students.
My goal as a teacher is to go back to a Title One school, where my passion lies. I want to be heavily involved in teaching students of diverse races, helping them to become more career focused, and helping them discover their personal qualities, talents, skills and abilities. I want them to maximize their full potential inside our classroom, and feel confident that when they go outside of the educational structure, they can confidently promote their talents and capabilities wherever they go.
With my degree in journalism, and my vast experiences working in Title One literacy, I would also like to extend myself as an English teacher for the many parents whose goal is to learn the English language. I strongly believe that parents,who can utilize the primary language being taught in schools, can be incredible resources for their children’s education.
I’ve learned so much from this Master’s program. More than the textbooks can bind, and more than my imagination could have wondered. With each passing day, with each assignment I finish, with each child I teach, but more so with each teacher I’ve carefully observed, I’ve come to a realization what a tremendous task a teacher has. Teachers have an incredible power and responsibility to mold young minds, and I think back of all the teachers who have impacted my life, and I am so thankful for their creativity, loyalty, support, energy, compassion, laughter, smiles, hugs, and generosity. I am in awe of their power that can impact so many lives, and I feel truly blessed to be part of a group of souls called teachers.