By: Jocelyn Olmos
Let me introduce you to Mrs. Dinriquez. Mrs. Dinriquez is a substitute teacher for Mrs. Cheever’s class during Distance Learning and today I’m going to introduce her to you. First of all, Mrs. Dinriquez loves to travel. When she travels she takes photos and videos of the places she goes, the food, the architecture, and culture. She enjoys taking photos of people in the moment, laughing, and having a good time. When she edits a video of her travels she enjoys the connection a particular song has to her video. Her other hobbies include baking, gardening, running, and painting with watercolor pencils. “I have a ton of hobbies, none quite mastered (haha!)...”
She attended California State University, Fullerton. She says that her best experience in college was when she correctly assessed her Abnormal Psychology case study final and the professor used her assessment report for future classes as a model. Her worst experience in college was when she received her first and only “C” in her last semester! But she didn’t stress about it all that much. “The frustration didn’t last long after realizing it wasn’t going to affect my future,” she said. Mrs. Dinriquez career choice originally was not substitute teaching. When she graduated from CSUF she had ideas of what she wanted to do as a career but never felt why she could only pick one. What she has originally planned to do was return to grad school and pursue a career working with children. “...either In-home Therapy for children with disabilities or Marriage and Family Therapy.” Mrs. Diniriquez got preoccupied starting her own photography business 2 years after receiving her Bachelor’s degree. “I haven’t returned to grad school yet, but I’d say I’ve been on my path, always working in a field teaching children.”
Family is very important to Mrs. Dinriquez and a challenge that she has faced in life was losing her father early in her college career.
Mrs. Dinriquez has been substituting for 7-8 years now. She says that there is a huge difference between subbing in-person versus Distance Learning. She says that in-person allows more hands-on teaching and it’s way easier to change materials and have all access to resources when you’re in a classroom. Distance Learning to Mrs. Dinriquez has more struggles when it comes to technology issues and since all engagement is through the laptop. However, she is grateful for all the positive interactions she has experienced through Distance Learning. “I’m even thankful for the moments students call me out for posting the incorrect dates, talking while still muted, or when my puppy starts barking. We’re all human.” When asked which she prefers, online teaching or in-person teaching she admires both versions. “I'm pretty flexible and open to learning new strategies so online has been working out.” Mrs. Dinriquez wouldn’t mind a “new normal” with a Hybrid Model.
Mrs. Dinriquez doesn’t just wish to talk to students and tell them what their teacher has assigned them. She also wants them to feel supported through a crazy time like the one we are in now. She wants us all to be patient and compassionate towards one another and wants students to be able to explore and pursue their passions without feeling the pressure of others.
Lastly here are some wise words from Mrs. Dinriquez, “Stay motivated. Remember the unpleasant moments are only temporary. When something feels too big or overwhelming, break it into smaller more manageable pieces. Allow yourself to be vulnerable in life and always be kind to others. Last thing, listen to Baz Luhrmann’s “Everybody’s Free” ;)”.
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