Imagine a classroom where every student feels empowered, inspired, and encouraged to learn. This is the vision of Ms. Mayra Torres. Ms. Mayra is determined to make a lasting impact on Mission High School students´ lives. She is currently a dedicated paraprofessional; she provides classroom support and assistance to students who need extra help.
Ms. Mayra is in the last semester of her credential program at San Francisco State University, meaning when she is done getting her credential in English, she can start teaching her classes next school year. The reason Mayra Torres became interested in teaching is because she believes in helping high school students feel empowered.
¨…Especially during a time in their lives where feeling any sort of ¨power¨ is hard,¨ said Ms Mayra.
High school students are dealing with so much — externally and internally. Ms. Mayra said her adolescent years in high school were one of the most difficult times for her, as a daughter of undocumented immigrants. Ms. Mayra didn’t receive the support that she needed. Now, as an adult, she wants to help and offer any sort of support that she can to stop the cycle she lived through.
¨If you are feeling stuck. It is completely normal,¨ said Ms. Mayra.
If you are lucky to have her in class, she will do everything in her power to support you in any way. Ms. Mayra’s time at Mission has been so great. She loves working at Mission High School. One of her favorite things each year is that she meets about 200 students and might get the privilege of having them in another class the following year. Who knows, maybe Ms. Mayra will teach your class next year.
After school, she enjoys spending time with her cat, Bean. He is turning 12 years old soon. Bean has been with Ms. Mayra since her sophomore year of high school and has been her support buddy and best friend ever since. During Ms. Mayra´s free time, she enjoys doing arts and crafts like water coloring and embroidery. On a nice day, she loves going to the beach and just listening to the ocean to relax.
By dedicating her life to teaching, she not only honors her family’s sacrifice but also inspires the next generation to pursue their dreams and make a difference for themselves. Ms. Mayra’s commitment to Mission High School students shows that with dedication and passion, one can truly make a difference even if it’s just for a couple of students.
