Autobiography

    I was born on July 4, 1975 in Minsk, Russia.  My parents, my sister and I came to American when I was 4 years old. I believe that this experience has shaped my beliefs as well as my personality.  It has made me realize that all people are different and what works with one person may not work with another. It has made me believe that communication is the key to accomplishment.  Speaking more than one language and knowing more that one culture has also enhanced my appreciation of diversity and society.

    Growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y. only strengthened that appreciation for the world and all the customs that it holds.  The Dance and Theater classes that I have participated in strengthened my appreciation of the fine arts.  These recreational activities have been a good precursor to being in front of a classroom.  My interest in reading and writing has also been fostered because of my appreciation for these performing arts.

    Starting high school in NJ showed me how important it is to know your own personality as well as your strengths and weaknesses.  It also made me realize how vital support and understanding are to new experiences and situations.  I carried these beliefs with me all through college and the beginning of my professional career.

    It has taken me a while, but the road that I have traveled to become a teacher has been rewarding, educational, disappointing and enlightening at different points.  I would love to go into more detail about each of these expressions in a personal conversation.  For right now, I would like to end this brief autobiographical statement by articulating that throughout my life, I have known that being a teacher is something that I would excel at and that both the students as well as the community would benefit from my life experiences.