BA, Social Welfare and Spanish, University of California, Berkeley
PhD, Hispanic Languages and Literatures, University of California, Los Angeles

Ana Maria strives to view the world like a Picasso painting. A professor once taught her that one of Picasso's greatest gifts was allowing the viewer to approach his art from different angles, always discovering something new; these multiple perspectives encourage the viewer to open themselves to the many possibilities and ways to experience the painting. This discovery showed up in an undergraduate women's studies class for Ana Maria, where she remembers being "challenged to change perspective, to see the world from many angles and encouraged to discern theories, experiences and viewpoints." More importantly, she remembers the professor's kindness as they gently pushed students to take risks while holding space for growth.

She takes this practice into her own Spanish classroom, with a goal of providing a safe and kind environment where students can explore new angles and broaden their perspectives and ideas. 

Precept affinity: We value patience with ourselves and others; we don’t rush to judgment