Meet Martinez Scholar Jessica Cantu

Can you tell us about your previous educational experience and/or previous professional experience? 

I’ve chosen to major in history and minor in education, learning and society at the University while still focusing on taking classes that revolve around diversity and human experiences that are different from my own. I love when I can draw connections between what’s going on in the world now and what I’m learning in my diversity classes with the thing I’m absorbing about the past in my history classes. I have come to believe it’s vital to know and understand history in order to better understand why we live the way we do today.

Why did you choose the College of Education?

Although I haven’t applied to the graduate program yet, I will definitely be doing so because of the dedication the College of Education has to ensuring that future teachers are prepared to teach diverse classrooms. Teachers need to be ready to take on the responsibility of educating children who have come from various backgrounds and experiences and I think the University of Washington’s program will definitely prepare me to do that.
 
Why do you want to become a teacher?

 I want to become a teacher because I feel like it’s the best way for me to create positive change and make the most difference in our country’s future. I connect with kids really well and feel like I can use that to instill in children a sense of hope and potential they may not get elsewhere. My high school English teacher Mrs. Keller really showed me that teachers can change the perspective their students have on the world if they care enough and have the determination to do so. Teachers are vital to the development and progression of our children and future and I want to be a part of the community of people who get to help shape it.

What are you most excited to accomplish as a future teacher?