DOMAIN D: FULFILLMENT OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
D1.Teaching Assistants will demonstrate evidence of professionalism as defined by the Department of English Graduate Handbook and the Regulations of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.
According to Department of English Graduate Handbook and the Regulations of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez I must comply with all requirement for the University Teaching Development course. During the beginning of the semester I was invited, with my colleges Tania Lefevre, Eyla Santiago and Leira Martinez, to give a presentation on Balancing Our Responsibilities as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Student. Sometimes it is hard to manage every thigh we have at hand. However, the reality is that, it is not impossible. The key lies within managing time appropriately, setting realistic goals and celebrating every accomplishment.
D2.Teaching Assistants will build and maintain professional relationships with students, mentors, colleagues, and other University community members.
During the past semester I noticed that even if the Master of Arts in English Education is a great program, there was something missing. I was able to understand that I was not the only one feeling this way, and with the collaboration of exceptional graduate students I was able to become part of the Popular Culture Student Association and the Professional Graduate honor Society. It is here were I am able to see that this MAEE program is not only able to provide an excellent education for graduate students, but that through these organizations we are able to create a sense of community among each other, where we feel free to express ourselves as we want and work together towards a same goal. What is so amazing about these associations is that we are able to include our own students, other TA’s and professors of the department and still be able to create balance.
D3.Teaching Assistants will seek and demonstrate value of professional growth through involvement in professional organizations, maintenance and enrichment of proficiency in English, and awareness of research on language acquisition and pedagogy
“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” – Sam Walton
I have been blessed to have a job where I have met outstanding people full of love, passion and compassion towards other people; who understand the meaning of tolerance, hard work and sacrifice. During the five years I worked as a cashier in Sam’s, I was able to learn how to handle difficult situation with patience, organize myself in order to be a professional, a student, a sister, represent the university through the choir, be a cashier, friend and daughter among many other things. Every new experience made me stronger and helped me define the person I am today. I know who I am, what I want to accomplish and how to work my way through in order to achieve my final goal.
I have also been an active member of the University Choir and it was there were I learned that I have a family who loves me unconditionally and share the same passion for music as I. I learned respect, discipline and to give my all when it comes to music. I am also an active member of the sorority Sigma Delta Nu. Here I learned to be empathetic, a leader and to value those around me.
Another extremely important place I have learned to develop my leadership skills is through the Professional Graduate Honor Society. Where I have met wonderful graduate students form the English department who are special in every way. We have organized Statement of Purpose and CV Workshop, Yoga Night and Christmas Child Operation here in Puerto Rico. I must say that I have an excellent group of people who are very passionate about their teaching and I feel at home. We work together for professional development, well-being, networking and community outreach. I am the treasurer of the Popular Culture Student Association and it thrills me to know that there are many other people in the English Department who are not afraid and are proud of being different.
This past November I also had the privilege of presenting at Puerto Rico Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Here I presented Finding the Muse: Promoting Agility and Self-evaluation through Writing Logs. Here I was able to test my abilities and demonstrate my hard work in class.