Getting to Know You: Jorge Guajardo
Jorge Guajardo – Elementary Education
Hometown: Pasco, WA
Year: Senior
Why did you choose WSU?
When I was younger, my best friend and his family would go to football games and bring me along. When I went to tour colleges, WSU was the first one I came to. I just fell in love with the environment and how close everyone is here. I like how everywhere you go everyone isn’t afraid to say, “Go Cougs!” and people say it back. We all have that in common and it’s kind of fun.
What/who inspired you to become a teacher?
I think that it’s the idea of being able to make an impact on any kids’ life. I know for me, a lot of my elementary teachers were a lot of fun and I can still point out a lot of things that they brought into the classroom that made an impact on me.
What do you hope to achieve in this career?
I hope to be able to serve as a role model and to influence kids so they understand that learning can be fun. That starts with having a teacher that not only says learning can be fun, but can show it as well.
What is your favorite part of this program?
The field work. Not only the ability to sit in a classroom and learn about the different things we might experience, but getting to go out into our practicum and see it first hand. It prepares us for situations in our own classrooms.
Do you have any advice for incoming freshmen?
Don’t be afraid to experience different majors. I went from pre-dentistry to elementary. I felt like I was one step behind everyone. Now being in the education program, I realize that everything I chose before the elementary program led me to understand that I really just want to be around kids. Don’t feel like by not knowing what you want to do will prevent you from being successful.
Favorites:
Favorite Class at WSU: Teaching Literacy to Grades 4-8
Favorite Professor: Scott Wilson
Favorite Pullman Restaurant: Southfork
Favorite Movie: Cars 3