Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/94843
WE ARE AEA! • WE ARE AEA! • WE ARE AEA! • WE ARE AEA! By Guadalupe Meza I am truly honored, privileged, and blessed to be named a White House Champion of Change. This recognition is not only for me but for all my colleagues that dedicate their life, enthusiasm, and energy to give the best to our students. Additionally this is dedicated to ALL the students that I have taught from 2006 to the present. It is unbelievable to think that I have impacted students' lives in a way that, even after they graduated, they came to visit me or have some type of communication. I don't only work with my students but with the school as a whole, district and com- munity. I never imagined I would get this type of recognition by doing what I love – teaching and helping those in need. I began my perpetual pursuit of knowledge seven years ago. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, not just a teacher, but someone who can make a difference in a student's life. I had to be realistic, and I am very down to earth, so I realized that I cannot change everybody, but I can give my students the tools to succeed. They decide if they want to take them or not. I am goal oriented, motivated, passion- ate, caring, committed, and diligent. I am a true believer that any obstacle can become an opportunity. I am part of several extracurricular activi- nity to participate in the Dia de los Muertos Competition and attend the annual César E. Chávez assembly. Moreover I collaborate with S.B.A.T.S. 11, the high school from Phoenix's sister city in Hermosillo, Sonora, in Mexico and the International Magnet Program at my alma mater, Central High, to bring La Rondalla to the South Mountain Community every January. As one of my colleagues said, I have a strong Being a teacher is the best choice I ever made. I am a millionaire with all the knowledge I have acquired throughout the years... rapport with the school administration and our broader community. I proudly marched along with South students and their families when they gathered to right a wrong and make their voices heard against a state law that they did not support. I help my students find scholarships especially those that cannot ask for financial aid. I like to serve my school and commu- nity well. Another one of my interest is helping students at risk; for this reason I took a local campus pas- sion, handball, and elevated it from an activity to engage in while ditch- ing class, to an organized, sponsored team who practice after school. These new Jaguar athletes compete against other teams in Phoenix, Tucson, and the other parts of the Southwest. Some would have dropped out of ties. I am a co-sponsor of South Mountain High School's M.E.Ch.A. (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlan) and L.U.L.A.C. (League of United Latin American Citizens) clubs. I am also co-advisor of the Spanish Honor Society. As the sponsor of these clubs, I can give South Mountain High School students the opportu- high school but instead come to school so they can be on the handball team. I think everybody deserves an opportunity, and having someone who believes in these students or just giving a little push is enough so they can fly high and achieve more than they imagined. Being a teacher is the best choice I ever made. I am a millionaire with all the knowledge I have acquired throughout the years, and I am very thankful for all the students that have contrib- uted to my career. 2 aea members honored bY ChiCanos Por la Causa The Chicanos por la Causa's 14th Annual Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards honored four Latino teachers for their work inspiring students of all backgrounds to learn and achieve their aspirations, who play an active role in school, and have demonstrated a true commitment to the community. AEA members Julio Rubio and Carmen Sanchez-Gore were among those rec- ognized at a dinner ceremony this past October. Using the Spanish term Esperanza for "hope," this prestigious award was created to recognize outstanding Latino teachers, who are the hope for future and successful generations. 2 AEA Advocate x Winter 2012/13 23