In the beginning of time, I always identified as a male, then came being Ecuadorian and finally being gay. Each of these identities came naturally but took time to accept and understand. There could be opportunities where it could have been easier, rather than harder especially in the school environment, a victim of bullying due to body weight and acting gay without even who I was. Identifying as a Hispanic took some obstacles to pass, finding my people to connect with, especially hard when the environment around doesn’t look like you or think like you, it makes it feel not value of how you are and to hide yourself to feet. All that I have gone through is what I want to try to help my future students. I can’t prevent it, but I can help them whenever they feel low or not by valuing their identities. Being a resource to them that they can go to when they need help and respect as a student. When I was in high school, I did have one teacher who helped me a bit during my hard times, but she was limited in her resources of knowledge since she was a straight white lady. I want to be like her as an art teacher, inspiring many to make art as a release and to connect with students at the time. I want to inspire those Hispanic/queer students who don’t feel value and feel they are trap in a box of what they can and can’t do. I am an example that you aren’t limited, and you can do anything no matter how you identify

I still remember my high school art teacher, the one who inspired me and guided me to become both an artist and an educator. They helped me understand why I want to teach art. As part of a new generation of teachers with a fresh perspective, I want to inspire young artists like me, those who may have felt out of place in the classroom for being different or for looking different. Many times, in my I have felt othered for my exterior and interior, something that I can’t and have to learn to live with, as an future educator I want to make that struggle easier for them.

Without art education, I would never have discovered myself as an artist or found my place in the classroom. If art education didn't exist, students would lose an important way to express themselves, to learn how to use their eyes to break down something beautiful and communicate their view of the world. Thanks to art education, students can create amazing works, develop a sense of personal style, and learn what truly speaks to them visually.

Art education has changed significantly over the years. It used to be about teaching students step by step with strict prompts and limitations on creativity and material use. Now, I see the growth of choice-based classrooms, which is the direction I want to take: making my classroom feel like an art studio where we learn and create at the same time. Artist first, then student.

Throughout my years in the classroom, I've learned that some art mediums naturally resonate with students, while others do not. I value student input and want their interests to help guide what we create. As an art teacher, my role is to guide and support them in making amazing art. I draw from a range of teaching styles, from structured lessons to student-driven and open-concept approaches, and I'm working to find a balance that benefits all learners. I want my students to discover their favorite art mediums, master them, and remain open to exploring new ones that could spark a new passion.

Some people still don't understand the importance of art education in schools. Without the arts, the world would be black and white. Art should be part of every student's life because it already is, in the music they listen to, the clothes they wear, and the way they describe the beauty they see around them. None of this would be possible without art education.

Art education should be student-focused, centered on what students want to create and guiding them to become the best artists they can be. It's not about what the teacher wants to make, but about teaching techniques, skills, and confidence that help students express their own vision through art.