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Washington State University
College of Education

Getting to Know You: Jessica Santana

Jessica Santana – Elementary Education

Hometown: Moses Lake, WA

Year: Junior

Why do you want to become a teacher?
I was trying to get into the UW medicine program. I came here undecided and chose to explore the apparel merchandising program, but that degree just wouldn’t be ideal. I used to teach all of my stuffed animals and so it’s always been something I’ve thought about.

What made you come to WSU?
I had done a lot of tours so it was always on the radar. I had scholarships to go to UW, but I got pregnant my senior year and ended up at WSU because it’s cheaper and closer to home. I couldn’t imagine raising my son in Seattle.

What impact do you hope to make?
Just to be someone that believes in my students and inspires them to learn. I’ve been someone who endured a lot of challenges to be where I am. I had a lot of teachers that helped me and I want to help my students. I know I want to make a difference in my son’s generation and teaching can do that.

How do you like your practicum? 
It’s really good and I’m in a kindergarten classroom which I really like because it’s close to my son’s age.  My practicum teacher is amazing. In practicum, I’ve been learning a lot. I have a journal where I write down ideas for my classroom. My teacher does a birthday box where she keeps track of birthdays and sends the box home with the kids. The parents fill it and the students come back with the box full for show and tell.

Do you apply your learning to raising your son?
I stress the importance of read-aloud. We go to the library every week. We go at five, pick out books, and read at six. It’s cool to be able to apply these things and understand the value of it.

How do you juggle life as a student and a parent?
Sacrificing a lot of sleep. It’s really hard and stressful. Being a single mom and you can’t show them that you’re stressed. You kind of always have to be happy and fake it until you make it. Be optimistic. I do my homework at night so that’s why I get so little sleep. Time management is something I always work on. Routine helps a lot. Keeping a routine keeps him sane and me sane too.