Katherine Reza: 2016-2017 Mary Roosevelt Honor Scholar in Teaching and Learning

At the 2016-2017 Master of Arts in Teaching Recognition Ceremony, Katherine Reza was awarded a Mary Roosevelt Honor Scholarship in Teaching and Learning for excellence in academics, demonstrated leadership skills, and dedication to improving the lives and educational opportunities of students. Katherine is pursuing her MAT with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Below, she shares her thoughts about her educational journey and her chosen career. 

October 2016

I am from Fountain Valley, California and attended Fountain Valley High School. Most recently, I graduated with honors from UCLA with a degree in psychology. I pursued a degree in psychology to better understand how children learn and the most effective methodologies to help them become successful. 

I happily chose UCI for my graduate studies not only because of its great reputation, but also because it gives me the opportunity to learn from the best professors and then be able to apply my knowledge onto a year-long fieldwork experience. 

My plans for the future are to teach at the elementary level. I have such a strong desire to teach at the elementary level because I know how crucial those years are for a child's learning, as it sets a foundation for the rest of their lives. I had many amazing teachers growing up who inspired me and inflicted their love of learning on me. I hope to teach with the same passion and enthusiasm and be a positive influence on my students, just like my past teachers were on me. 

Mary Roosevelt and Katherine Reza