Teacher: Dr.
Michelle Rosen
How did I learn to read? Where?
I've been surrounded by books my
whole life, due to the fact that my mother was a teacher; she filled our home
with all kinds of authors. I read many different genres. My mother always said
"the best way to grow is through books". To this day, I hold that
phrase dear to my heart and even encourage my children as well as my students
to expand their minds and vocabulary through books. At the age of 3, I had made
up my mind about what I believed to be my favorite books; "Fairy
Tales" and "Pimpon" the first one had countless stories of
princes and princesses, charming castles and wicked step mothers, classics; the
second book was a compilation of different songs from classic lullabies, they were
in Spanish, since growing up that was my first language. I have vague memories of
my mother and I every Sunday, we would take a seat in the living room with a
book in hand, usually that would mean my aforementioned "fairy tales"
and although I was only 3 years old and wasn’t capable of reading it, I was
interested in the pretty dresses illustrated in the picture. I remember there
was a princess with books on her head trying to balance them and walk at the
same time, and that was what I imagined was the story of that princess.

Undoubtedly that came to be the time
I looked forward to and enjoyed out of the day. Due to my undeniable love for
books, when I turned 4, my mother gifted me what would soon become the very
first book I learned to read on my own; it was quite an easy book, minimal
wording and lots of pictures, however it was very exciting for me to decipher
what before were only drawings on the pages of the book or simply the stories
in my mother's voice that I would listen to every night before going to bed.
Today I realize that thanks to that time that my mother dedicated to letting me
pick books and reading them to me in spite of her busy schedule, little by
little she made me fall in love all of those happy endings and with time I wanted
to discover my own.
1978 was an exceptional year for me,
I began my first day of school with an unquenchable desire to learn new things
and read new stories. Until then the only teacher I had ever had was my mother,
who with all her love and patience had planted the seed for what became my
incredible love for books. Soon I learned how to identify a vast variety of
words and that made me quite happy because somehow I felt independent, last
areas of the school were for me as the tasks that my mother had at home. Since
she was a single mother trying to raise two kids, I always view it as my job to
succeed at school and made her proud. I figured she had so much to worry about
with providing for us kids that my school needed to be the least of her
worries; it stayed that way until I earned my degree. I consider myself very
fortunate to have had such great and influential educators growing up. All
through elementary as well as middle school, I was blessed with incredible
teachers. They were loving and very encouraging. Meeting these exceptional
individuals is what drove me to teaching. I wanted to be for others what they
had been for me. Once I began high school I had already read over 100 books.
Not limiting myself to any specific genre my readings ranged from novels to
fiction to psychology books, those were my favorite, my other owned quite a few
and I must’ve read them all at least twice. By reading and indulging myself in
countless fictional worlds, I gained very imaginative thoughts and a vast
vocabulary for someone that you. I was constantly entering national writing
contests, as well as write for my own pleasure. I find it quite relaxing to
write out my thoughts. This is why I’ve kept a journal for years now. It
liberates my mind and allows me to write out my creative ideas.
Who am I? Family life?

I was born and raised in a small
town in Cuba, the oldest of two. My mother was a single mom who worked hard and
always made sure we had what we needed. I did my studies and earned a degree in
Cuba. I fell in love, met my husband and created a family. I moved to New
Jersey almost 9 years ago. Here I realized I had to study hard and work in
order to validate my degree, and I’m quite proud of my accomplishments. I
arrived at this country knowing little to nothing about the language and now I
am able to write and read, there’s still a lot to improve but little by little
I learn something new, not only from my studies, but also from my students.
Hobbies?
In my spare time, I tutor some of previous students as well as current
ones. When I’m not doing that, I’m taking the opportunity to spend time with my
family, maybe dinner outings or just fun family activities. I do always find
the time to pick up a book and indulge in the creative thoughts of the authors.
What is your role at school?

As of 2016, I received my first official teaching position. I am working
at Jefferson School, in Union City as a bilingual kindergarten teacher. I have
around 24 kids as well as a teacher’s assistant. I encourage my students everyday
and push them to reach into their unfolding minds and find their creativity. We
sing, we laugh, and we learn. I have learned countless of lessons from my
students. There is something about the simplicity of a child’s mind, and how
they appreciate and find joy in the smallest of things. I absolutely adore the
thought of having the opportunity to help shape and model the next generation.
Course Expectations?
Little by little we lose a little
more of human interaction due to society’s infatuation with technology and
social media. Communication and literacy go hand in hand, I find it essential.
I am looking forward to this class expanding my knowledge and ability to get
students to focus and value the true power of literacy, something we come
across on an everyday basis without actually realizing.
Hello Mayelin, I am fascinated with your post. I enjoy reading about the connection that you have with your mom when it comes to literacy and the quote "the best way to grow is through books". Unfortunately, I don't have that type of connection with my own mother but I definitely have one with my daughter. I always explain to her, how important it is to read and how reading is fundamental. Reading did help me grow, in ways that I can't put in words.
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