From Engineering Student to Language Advocate - a Journey to Becoming a Bilingual Teacher: Meet Ana Marquez

Ana Giselle Marquez Perez is an international student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Education at the The University of Texas at El Paso . Ana is a graduate of the 2024 GlobalMindED First Generation Student Leadership Program.

What is your personal/professional story?

I am an international student pursuing a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in primary grades and a bilingual certification. My career goal is to become an elementary teacher who facilitates the learning of a second language for early childhood students, enhancing the experience for emergent bilinguals. I aspire to eventually make a significant impact on the education system in my community. My personal background is rooted in my own challenging journey of learning English as a second language. This experience has fueled my passion for education and languages, driving me to support students in a way that I once needed.

What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?

A pivotal moment in my life was in high school engineering classes. Although engineering was my intended career path, I found myself frequently helping my classmates with their studies. I enjoyed explaining concepts to them and found great satisfaction in their understanding. One of my teachers noticed my natural ability and passion for teaching, suggesting that I might have a future as an educator. This insight helped me realize that teaching had always been my true calling, and it led me to pursue a career in education, focusing on young children and language learning.

Where does your passion to serve come from?

My passion to serve comes from my personal experience with language learning. Spanish is my first language, and learning English was a difficult and complex process for me. I often felt that having a supportive teacher could have greatly improved my experience. This realization made me want to be that supportive figure for other students, helping them navigate the challenges of learning a new language and fostering a positive, encouraging learning environment.

What does success look like to you, on your own terms?

To me, success means making a meaningful impact on the lives of my students. It is about seeing them grow, overcome challenges, and achieve their potential, especially in learning a new language. Success also means being a catalyst for change in the education system, advocating for and implementing practices that support bilingual education and the needs of emergent bilinguals. On a personal level, success is continually learning, growing, and striving to be the best educator I can be.

How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?

GlobalMindED has already played a significant role in my journey by connecting me with my mentor, Aaron J. Rodzinak . His support, advice, and encouragement have been invaluable. Moving forward, GlobalMindED can continue to help me reach my goals by providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and access to resources that support my career aspirations. The organization's focus on diversity and inclusion aligns with my values and goals, offering a platform to advocate for and contribute to educational change.

Tell us about your experience at the conference: What would you like students to know?

My experience at the conference was wonderful. It was inspiring to meet so many students with similar goals and to realize that many of us have faced similar challenges. Each speaker was unique and left a lasting lesson with me. The conference reinforced the importance of networking and connecting with others who share your passion and vision. For students, I would emphasize the value of these connections. Take every opportunity to network, learn from others, and build relationships that can support and inspire you throughout your journey.

Save the Date: June 16-18 2025 in Denver for GlobalMindED 2025 Apply to Speak Opens August 1!