GGSE: What made you want to be a teacher, and why an ESC credential?
Rota: I decided I wanted to be a teacher when I was tutoring a student who was really frustrated with a task. After helping him figure it out he looked at me with this face that I will remember forever. The way his face lit up made me realize that I want to see that in every student I work with. It really motivates me to keep going. I chose to get an ESC credential because I grew up with ADHD and the teacher that helped me changed my life. I want to have that type of an impact on a student's life just as that teacher had on mine.
GGSE: What made you choose TEP at UCSB to do your graduate school work?
Rota: Other than being a little close to home, I chose UCSB's TEP program because it had such a welcoming and warm culture and community. I really felt like I wanted this group of people to teach me how to be a teacher.
GGSE: Who was your favorite teacher in your life, and why?
Rota: My favorite teacher was my AP World History and AP Government teacher. Being a younger teacher, my friends and I really bonded with him as a teacher as he supported us through mental health problems. He also treated us like adults and had open communication about expectations. He really made us feel supported in all aspects of life and school.
GGSE: If you have any free time (we realize how consuming TEP is), how do you like to spend it?
Rota: I love spending my time baking or cooking while watching one of my favorite sitcoms. I also indulge in painting from time to time. If I have the time, I like to go out and window shop and just have a day out of my apartment.