Professional Goals
Short-Term Goals (1–3 Years)
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Develop Expertise in Learning Experience Design
Strengthen my ability to design engaging, learner-centered digital experiences by applying learning science, cognitive psychology, and multimedia design principles through USC coursework and real-world projects. -
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network
Create an online professional portfolio that showcases my instructional design, EdTech integration, and creative storytelling work, while connecting with professionals through organizations such as ISTE, The Learning Guild, and ATD. -
Earn Experience in Instructional Design or Educational Technology
Transition from substitute teaching in the Lennox School District to a role as an Instructional Designer, Educational Technologist, or LXD Associate, where I can merge creativity, pedagogy, and digital tools to improve learning outcomes. -
Integrate Creativity and Technology in Education
Design learning experiences that use interactive media, music, and visual storytelling to make instruction more engaging and culturally responsive for diverse learners.
Long-Term Goals (3–5 Years and Beyond)
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Become a Lead Learning Designer or Creative Learning Strategist
Lead the design of innovative learning solutions for schools, EdTech companies, or nonprofits, focusing on creativity, accessibility, and student engagement. -
Contribute to Equity in Education through Technology
Use digital learning tools and design thinking to bridge opportunity gaps in under-resourced communities like Lennox, ensuring all students have access to high-quality, technology-enhanced learning experiences. -
Expand into EdTech and Educational Media Production
Combine my background in art, writing, and music with instructional design to produce multimedia learning experiences, educational games, or digital storytelling content that inspires curiosity and learning. -
Mentor and Collaborate with Future Educators and Designers
Share knowledge through workshops, professional development sessions, and creative collaborations that help educators integrate technology and design thinking in their teaching.
Personal Mission Statement
I design creative, inclusive, and technology-enhanced learning experiences that empower learners to explore, create, and thrive. My mission is to blend education, art, and innovation to make learning more meaningful, equitable, and inspiring.
Biography
I grew up in a Mexican household that was as traditionally rooted as any other, yet I was also immersed in the California pop-culture experience. Living in the tiny community of Lennox deepened that duality. In this predominantly Latino neighborhood, Spanish was often the language of choice, drifting through open windows with the sound of rancheras playing softly in the background. At the same time, kids like me were shaped by the pulse of underground punk rock and hip-hop passed down from older cousins and friends. From quinceañeras and bautismos to backyard gigs and concerts at the Hollywood Palladium, these experiences left a lasting impression on how I see the world and express myself.
My family has always been a reflection of two different worlds. My father’s side is grounded in logic and education—many became doctors, architects, and teachers—while my mother’s side is driven by art, music, and storytelling. They are expressive, boisterous, and endlessly creative. The blend of these two influences shaped both my love for the arts and my approach to education. I’ve learned to merge structure with creativity, using imagination and design to make learning engaging and meaningful for young learners.
I began my academic journey at El Camino College in the fall of 2018 and later transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts in 2023. During that time, I completed a semester of student teaching in the Long Beach Unified School District at Edison Elementary School.
Outside the classroom, music has always been a major part of my life. From the ages of 17 to 28, I played bass, sang, and wrote songs for my band Maxwell Demon. We performed more than 200 shows—everywhere from small backyard gigs to theaters and clubs—and even toured the Pacific Coast in 2023. Over the years, we wrote over 30 songs and recorded a 7-inch record single with another band, E > K > U >K.
These creative and cultural experiences continue to shape how I teach, design, and connect with others. My work reflects the harmony of two worlds—logic and art, structure and freedom, tradition and innovation—all working together to inspire learning through creativity.
Professional Affiliations
Portfolio
Currently under construction
