From former student to future teacher, Miss Monse is starting her student teaching journey at Fremont High School, where she shares her time between art class with 3D art teacher Jennifer Gay and graphic design with Kristen Strickler.
Monse graduated high school in 2020 and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She will be graduating later this year in December.
“I would like to eventually move to Omaha and maybe teach over there,” Monse said. “If that doesn’t work out, then I would like to stay here in Fremont to teach!”
As a child, the desire to teach was always present in Monse’s life. She also aspired to increase the number of Latino teachers, something she rarely saw while growing up as a student.
“I was interested in pretending to be a ‘teacher’ while playing with my friends,” Monse said. “I also wanted there to be more teachers who would look like me.”
As a former student, Monse mentions that she was very shy during most of her high school years but managed to come out of her shell because of the people who surrounded her. Knowing how it feels to live life as a shy student or someone who has remained in the background, she makes sure to carry an empathetic attitude toward her students and those around her.
“I was blessed enough to have an amazing extroverted friend who ended up taking me out of my comfort zone,” Monse said.
In the same way her friend encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and grow as an individual, Monse aims to make a positive impact on students by providing them with encouragement and motivation.
While her positive, welcoming, and understanding nature are some of her major strengths, her empathy is what makes her stand out as an individual.
Monse’s area of interest is teaching art. She always looks forward to seeing the creations of her students, as well as the growth of their creativity throughout the years.
Having the ability to step into the shoes of others, no matter their situation, is a characteristic that can sometimes lack consistency. However, Monse uses this ability as part of who she is as a teacher. Based on the comfort she has built with her students, it is safe to say she will be missed here at FHS.
