I had an amazing teacher who understood my story and showed me the value of being a first-generation student of color. I want to ignite my students’ passion for learning and support them in realizing their full potential and pursuing their dreams, regardless of their background.”
Kelly’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Biology
Why Biology
“I love biology because it allows you to truly understand the world around you! I believe that students can use their knowledge of biology to enact change in their communities.”
Professional Experience
During her undergraduate studies, Kelly worked as a research assistant at the UCLA Clinical Translational Science Institute, as a private tutor at H.O.P.E. Summer School, and a youth development professional at the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove, where she assisted in developing weekly enrichment programs for underserved children and families. Kelly volunteered with Unified Sports UCLA, an organization that promoted inclusion and allowed for UCLA students and Special Olympic teams to participate in sports on the same team. She also worked on the UCLA Happy Feet Clinic as an external coordinator and the Mobile Clinic Project at UCLA, both of which focused on the well-being of the homeless community by connecting them to the existing continuum of care within the area.
Kelly will begin her first year of teaching biology at Milpitas High School in Milpitas, California, during the 2023–2024 school year.
Hobbies
In her free time, Kelly enjoys doing puzzles, playing board games and Tetris, traveling, and attending concerts and festivals!
Academic Background
- University of California, Los Angeles (Bachelor of Science in Biology)
- Stanford University (Master of Arts in Education)