When anyone asked me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  I always remember answering, “A teacher!”  I was fortunate enough to achieve this goal at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.  Four years after leaving my hometown, Las Vegas, I was teaching a bilingual kindergarten class at Lugo Elementary School in Lynwood, California.  I was there for three years and taught K, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade.   While I was teaching there, I learned many valuable lessons, but the one I will always remember is that children need to experience life. In 1989, I was accepted to be a part of the outstanding team of educators with Hermosa Beach City School District.  I am so proud to belong to such a hardworking and dedicated staff.  We are here for the children.  In Hermosa, I have taught second and fifth grade, and I was the Title I reading teacher. I was honored to receive the Parents for Richstone Outstanding Educator Award in 1998.  I am currently in my fifth year of teaching first grade, and I love it!  I want my students to go away from my classroom inspired to learn more and to know they will always be “Can-Do Kids!”  I set high expectations for my students and myself, but we have fun accomplishing them.