Greetings from Texas! My name is Cesar Riojas. I am a member of the September ‘09 cohort and have had a wonderful experience in the MAT@USC program. I was born and raised in South Texas only minutes away from the Mexican State of Tamaulipas. After graduating high school, I was excited to start my education and perhaps a successful career in the business field. However, being inspired by several of my history professors, I soon realized that being a positive role model in a young person’s life was what I wanted to do. A career in education proved to be the best way to achieve my goal. I received my undergraduate degree in History from the University of Texas- Pan American in 2007. I am currently in my 4th year of teaching 9th grade World Geography at Rio Grande City High School (RGCHS); my alma mater.
The MAT@USC program has been the scaffolding I needed in order to reach my goal of becoming an effective teacher. Close proximity to the Mexican border is the key factor that determines the amount of students at RGCHS that have at one point gone through the ESL program. This was one of the reasons I chose to apply to the MAT@USC program. USC has given me the opportunity to attend classes that address the unique challenges that surface when teaching ESL students. The different theories and strategies that I have been introduced to by my professors at USC helped me create a positive classroom environment for my students.
It feels great to be a part of a University with so much tradition and pride. It has been an amazing ride so far and I am looking forward to seeing my cohort at the commencement ceremony in May! Fight On!
If you’d like to know about how to become a teacher in Texas and make a difference in your local community, contact our Admissions office at 888.MAT.1USC or email us at matadmit@usc.edu.
