Washington State University

^{College of Education} _{Here’s Why!}

They teach. They mentor.

They coach. They care.

Here’s why!

	Juan Manuel Alvarez, Jr. — Hemet California Counseling psychology (doctoral program) I chose psychology as my field of study because ever since I was young I have been interested in the mind and the phenomenological nature of the human experience. Specifically, I am interested in understanding how different people (e.g., by ethnicity and gender) view life and themselves. I hope to create a positive and holistic theory of psychology that will educate people about themselves and create new possibilities for their lives. After earning a Ph.D., I plan to become a licensed psychologist and a full-time professor. I want to conduct research and work with special populations, open-minded academics, and bright and spirited college students. I also would like to have my own psychology practice.
	Arlene Carrasco — Ceres, California Counseling psychology (doctoral program) Attaining an education enables me to serve as a role model to others, such as Latinos/as, African-Americans, Native-Americans, who would otherwise not consider an education. My greatest strength as a future multicultural professional is that I have the drive to serve as a mentor, which is crucial in motivating others. My career goals are three-fold: engage in clinical practice, teach at the university, and conduct research. I aspire to work full time at a university counseling center and attend to the needs of college students, primarily Latinos. I also have the passion to teach undergraduate psychology courses, including Latino psychology. Because of the increasing number of racial ethnic minorities in the United States, it is imperative that psychology courses on racial ethnic minorities be taught. I plan to advocate for such courses.
	Jose Roberto Cruz — Pasco, Washington Elementary education (undergraduate) I’m pursuing elementary education degree and an endorsement in English as a second language because I have noticed that there are few men working in the elementary schools. I feel I can make a difference to students who may not have good male role models. Another reason is that there is a shortage of ESL teachers. In my community there are a lot of immigrants who don’t know English yet and there are not enough teachers to assist them. I have worked for three years with the Chicano/a Latino/a community. I have been involved in groups such as Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan (Chicano/a Student Movement of Aztlan), which promotes cultural awareness and higher education within the community.
	Abel Diaz — Tucson, Arizona Counseling psychology (masters program) I aspire to be a university professor in counseling and human development. The College of Education was a perfect fit for my goals, with an excellent curriculum in higher education as well as supportive faculty. After completing a masters degree in counseling psychology, I plan to obtain a doctorate in family studies and human development. A career within a university is ideal: teaching classes, conducting research, and helping undergraduates further their academic success.
	Nicole Hatcher — Kennewick, Washington Mathematics, teaching emphasis (undergraduate) I chose education as a field of study because I enjoy I find it rewarding to help someone, whether it’s understanding a concept they previously could not grasp or thought they could never understand. My career goals include becoming a math teacher at either a middle school or high school and coaching track and field at the high school level. My greatest strength as a future multicultural professional is being an African-American female in the mathematics profession. Students perceive mathematics as a “white-male” dominated field. My accomplishments as an African-American female will hopefully help other multicultural students believe that whatever they set their minds to, they too can accomplish.
	Jennifer Lauren Reed — Aberdeen, Washington Elementary education (undergraduate) My career goal is to become an effective, inspiring and under-standing teacher. I want to be a role model for students to show them they can be anything that they want to be if they work hard. My experiences with underrepresented populations include working at an after-school program, which showed me that teaching and helping students is what I love to do. Children in the program came from migrant farm families and were second language learners. I am a member of the Association of Pacific and Asian Women, the Filipino American Student Association, and Buhay, a traditional Filipino dance troop.