Coti Hudgens

These traits, along with my strong belief that education is the key to unlocking opportunity and gaining personal growth, primed me to pursue a career in teaching and education. 

Before beginning my graduate studies, I spent time both domestically and abroad working on experiencing life as a global citizen. During this time, I became devoted to my civic responsibility of analyzing and improving my interpersonal interactions and relationships with people of varying backgrounds, origins, cultures, and perspectives. 

Two key experiences during this time set me on my path of becoming a professional educator: Volunteering in the education department at Planned Parenthood and working in an orphanage in Arequipa, Peru.

These experiences have taught me that some of my greatest lessons have come from working with children.

While organizing and facilitating youth educational classes on reproductive health, I learned how to use age-appropriate language when speaking about the mental and physical effects of our choices, and how these choices impact our interpersonal relationships. While caring for children in a Peruvian orphanage, I was taught to understand the mental repercussions of abandonment, as well as the resilience of human spirit when provided with adequate love, stability, and a chance at a better life. 

These experiences have taught me that some of my greatest lessons have come from working with children. Their altruistic nature, genuine optimism, and eagerness to learn fueled my passion to pursue my career in education. 

Lastly, I admit my decision to become an educator was not entirely selfless; I am also a mother. It is this role that drives me to want to be the best version of myself, so my daughter can learn to be the best version of herself. By modeling my own love of learning, I hope to encourage my child to also find hers. Plus, it is this role that better prepares, informs, and shapes my attributes as a teacher.