I am a first generation American and was raised in New York by a family from Puerto Rico. After finishing my first semester in 10th grade, my family moved back to Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, I was enrolled in a high school where all the textbooks were written and classes were taught in Spanish. While I spoke Spanish, I had to quickly learn to read and write in that language. Meanwhile, my continued proficiency in the English language suffered as I was now taking classes in Spanish for native speakers and English for students who spoke it as a second language. After completing three semesters of college in Puerto Rico, I transferred to the University of South Florida. and obtained a bachelor's degree. I worked up to three part-time jobs to help pay for college. Due to my multiple jobs, I could only maintain an average GPA. In 1989, I was a new mother on leave from my teaching job. My husband and I were at a birthday party where we had a chance meeting that changed my career. We were talking with a new friend when the conversation turned to what I did for a living. I mentioned that I taught middle school Spanish and English. He surprised us when he told us he was the dean of my local community college and needed adjunct Spanish teachers. He explained that the Spanish academic discipline was a critical shortage area and that the college was looking for adjunct professors with at least 5 levels of graduate studies. education courses, provided they plan to obtain a master's degree in Spanish. He asked me if I had ever thought about teaching Spanish in higher education. I told him it was a dream of mine. I explained that I was working on a master's degree in Spanish and had already earned 15 credits as a... middle of paper ...... and a smile on his face. If we send her an email, she responds quickly. I admire that she confesses in person to the faculty when she makes an administrative error. At a faculty meeting, she apologized and then invited us to throw eggs at her. She often comes to faculty meetings and is a cheerful, relaxed and friendly participant. At college-wide faculty meetings, she enjoys telling us inspiring stories about some of our college's alumni and how our teaching efforts have made a difference for them. I love these leadership qualities and if I ever become head of my department, I will emulate him. I understand that this curriculum is designed specifically for education practitioners and I proudly consider myself part of this group. Please accept my application for admission into this program starting in July 2010.