Where do you work?
Sunset Mesa Preschool.
What is your job?
I am a preschool teacher at the Sunset Mesa Montessori School in Albuquerque.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have one daughter named Ameera. She is five years old!
What do you love about living in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque is such an amazing community. Although it is a big city, it has a small community of people who enjoy supporting local businesses and venturing out to the wonderful scenery that it has to offer. Albuquerque has some amazing hiking, camping, and enjoyment spots. It is a beautiful city of wonder and adventure.
What is your favorite restaurant and/or place to shop in Albuquerque?
I am a big foodie and enjoy trying different places to eat around the city. One of my favorites would have to be a locally owned Vietnamese restaurant named Basil Leaf. They offer authentic and delicious Vietnamese food such as curry, pho, salad, and so much more! It is definitely a must-try!
Tell us about your career.
I have been a teacher for about six years now. I started my teaching career in Venezuela where I began teaching English to Spanish-speaking students. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I eventually moved back to the United States where I taught elementary school in my hometown of Gallup. I taught students who were Special Needs and that was also an amazing experience. I then had my daughter and decided to stay home with her for two years. I was ready to get back to my career as I then became a Preschool teacher at a local school in town. I enjoyed being able to work closely with my daughter, as she was outgrowing that school, I decided I also needed to grow with her. I became interested in the Montessori Method of teaching and I started my Montessori teaching as an assistant with the most amazing Lead Teacher. She taught me a lot of what I know and use today in my own classroom. I currently teach a Montessori classroom with some amazing students!
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I decided to be a teacher because I love children. I enjoy working with them and watching them grow. I am always up to watching children as I am the oldest of 6 children. I was given the ability to be a mother figure to young children, and that eventually grew with me to have a heart for children.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best about my job is watching the children grow and learn every day. It is amazing to be able to see their perspective of different things. Children are so pure and joyful and it makes my job feel like I am making a difference. Their hugs and sweet comments are also a plus!
How do you juggle work with mommyhood?
Working mom life is not easy. There are days where you feel like you could have done this or that, just more with your child. Mom’s guilt is real. I always make sure that after work I have activities that I know she enjoys doing planned with her. I try to start our day by wishing her a great day and telling her what we have planned for the afternoon, which usually keeps her excited for the day. I also have Ameera help me with house chores, she enjoys doing them and it also gets us to spend the majority out of work and school together.
What is your favorite activity to do with your kids in Albuquerque?
Ameera enjoys going to the park, trampoline park, zoo, and aquarium. It has been a while since we have gone due to covid but we hope to be back to our activities this summer. Ameera is also doing ballet classes.