Hello everyone, my name is Juan Vasquez with the January 2010 cohort of the MAT@USC. I’ve lived in south Texas my entire life and enjoy it very much. I am a first generation college attendee in my family. I attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio where I majored in English Literature. I’ve worked as a grant writer, researcher, entrepreneur, and private tutor in the past.
Why I want to become a teacher
We find ourselves living in an increasingly interesting time, with technology and social issues progressing faster than ever before. Because of this, the next generation of learners are markedly unique. The old methods and analysis of teaching will need to be enhanced and revamped. It will take patient and malleable individuals to lead this change. I feel as though I am one of these aforementioned individuals, and I am confident that my classmates in the MAT@USC are as well. Connecting with the next generation is something I look forward to with excitement.
What I hope to do
Upon graduation from the program, I hope to become a licensed ELA high school teacher somewhere in Texas, preferably in the southern region. Eventually I would like to go into administration or perhaps an educational researcher at a university. The knowledge and information obtained in this program will be the foundation for my future endeavors.
Why I chose the MAT@USC
I chose the MAT@USC for a variety of reasons. Aside from the conventional reasons which are fantastic (being a part of the Trojan family, attending an elite university), I saw the MAT@USC program as a harbinger of change. Admittedly, there is a stigma surrounding online learning presently, but it’s programs like the MAT@USC that will serve to eliminate this. When you combine exceptional faculty, with a selective student body and a revolutionary educational platform, the program will undoubtedlyreach a new level of success as well as a broader range of audiences.
Juan is currently seeking his Texas teaching certificate to become a high school teacher.
