丹尼斯·加西亚, 数学系

There are way too many lessons to mention, 但 most come from my Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications class. I love teaching students the necessary life lessons to be financially literate young adults and to be the one to plant the seen of investing for their retirement as soon as the first paycheck is earned. This class forces me to be up-to-date with financial and economic changes from year to year, reminding me that I am a lifelong learner. One of the lessons my students look forward to the most is our taxes unit. (Super hard to believe, I know!) Taxes are extremely complicated, 但 breaking down the terminology and knowing how to file a basic 1040 form brings great joy to my students.

 

I hope students are able to see my passion for teaching math and I pray my passion is infectious enough to keep them engaged in every class. 作为一个数学老师, many times students enter the classroom with a closed mind, convinced that they are “not good at math.“从一开始, I try to chip away at this mentality because I am convinced that no one is “good” or “bad” at math. I like to convey that grit and perseverance are the tools to be successful in a math class, 但, 更重要的是, 在生活中. My greatest moments as a teacher are helping a student grow in their skill level and confidence, even when the grade is not necessarily an A.

 

My favorite IH tradition is 欢迎 Day. 完美的心 ensures all new members of the community feel welcomed and celebrated. 看到大二的学生, juniors and seniors plan out amazing skits, songs and dances for school community members they have not met yet is just so heartwarming. I can still remember my feelings and thoughts during my very first 欢迎 Day. I immediately felt part of this community with so much history and compassion for others.