Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in school? Perhaps it’s because of your educational background, your culture, linguistic heritage, or anything else that makes you “different.” As a first-generation Latina, and former ESL student who moved to the US during her last year of high school and, I often struggled and felt like I did not belong in an academic setting. As a student, I always needed to work full-time, and I have also dealt with learning challenges presented by having ADHD. In my presentation, I will share strategies that have helped me succeed academically and professionally while still staying engaged and passionate about my work.
Laura is a Highline alumna and English composition instructor. She holds a master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other languages (TESOL) and has taught English in Colombia, Italy, Turkey and China. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership at Northeastern University. Her research focuses on supporting first-generation, low-income, and students of color graduate from college. Aside from teaching and working on her doctorate, Laura is passionate about photography, storytelling, and cooking.
Location: Building 3, Room 102
