About me

As I have progressed through my academic career, I understand the importance of verifying sources by asking questions, identifying bias and tracking trends throughout time. As a history major who has worked with students, I have learned that teaching is more than just providing information. To educate students it is essential to encourage them to think critically about issues. I find it fascinating how primary and secondary sources come about and how different perspectives can impact how we view history.
To educate students it is essential to encourage them to think critically about issues. While volunteering I have been able to witness the curiosity of students and the bold questions they tend to ask. They tend to ask why, who, where and what. These types of questions encourage students to learn and grasp the material. Watching them utilize their tools to find out what the sources meant reminds me that we can teach children to think critically from a young age if we create room for it.
The ability to dissect a source, recognize tone, or understand context has made me a more thoughtful communicator and a more reflective educator.
The most effective learning occurs, in my opinion, when children are motivated, interested, and treated with respect. It is important to create environments for students to feel comfortable to not only be able to ask questions, but also to make mistakes and learn in a manner that is comprehensible. Through the use of tales, hands-on projects, and classroom discussions, I intend to draw links between the new information that they have learned and the information that they already possess. My experience has taught me that if you present a topic in the appropriate manner, even challenging topics may be made more approachable for younger children.
In addition, I have witnessed instances in which things did not go according to plan, such as when a lesson was unsuccessful or students became disengaged. However, those circumstances have been among the most instructive for me. The ability to reflect without passing judgment, to adjust with intention, and to always be open to improvement are all skills that I've acquired. Along with my growing grasp of how children process information, emotions, and relationships, my self-assurance as an educator has also increased with each new experience I've had along the way.
The goal I have for my professional development is to combine my interest in child development with my degree in history as I progress in my career. My objective is to assist children in not only comprehending the facts, but also in developing their own opinions, cultivating empathy for other people, and being engaged members of the communities in which they live. I am of the opinion that the classroom should be a place where we instruct students on how to think profoundly, question with courage, and learn with joy. This conviction serves as the foundation for every choice I make, every conversation I have, and every action I take inside of this profession.

Jesenia Garcia
Orlando, FL
je177494@ucf.edu
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EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in History
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Expected Graduation: 2025
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Valencia College, Orlando, FL
Graduated: 2018
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VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Volunteer, Women’s and Children’s Shelter Daycare
Orlando, FL
2020
Provided care for shelter children.
Helped organize women and children's activities.
Volunteer, ADDitions Program, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS)
Orlando, FL
2019
Assist teachers in classroom activities and student engagement.
Helped with planning and implementing lesson plans.
Volunteer, Horizons Childcare and Learning Center
Orlando, FL
2018
Engaged with children in educational and recreational activities.
Supported staff in daily operations and curriculum delivery.
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SKILLS
Classroom Management
Organization
Microsoft Office
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REFERENCES

Available upon request.