I am a first generation American and grew up in New York City to a family from Puerto Rico. After finishing my first semester in eighth 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 the lessons were taught in Spanish. While I spoke Spanish, I had to quickly learn to read and write in this language. Meanwhile, my continued mastery of the English language suffered as I now took Spanish for native speakers and English courses for students who spoke it as a second language. After finishing three semesters of college in Puerto Rico, I transferred to the University of South Florida and earned 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 to a new friend when the conversation got to what I did for a living. I said 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 Spanish academic discipline was a critical shortage area and the college was looking for adjunct faculty with at least 5 degree levels of education courses, as long as they intended to earn a master's degree in Spanish. He asked me if I had ever thought about teaching Spanish at the higher education level. I told him it was one of my dreams. I explained to her that I was working towards a master's degree in Spanish and that I had already earned 15 credits as... half the work... and a smile on her face. If we send her an email, she responds quickly. I admire the fact that he shows up in person to the faculty when he makes an administrative error. During a faculty meeting she apologized and then invited us to throw eggs at her. She often comes to faculty meetings and is a cheerful, informal, and friendly participant. During 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 her. I understand that this degree program is designed specifically for education professionals and I proudly consider myself part of this group. Please accept my application to be admitted to this program starting in July 2010.