Student Bios

Chase Edwards

"I previously wanted to be a Paleontologist, but that career path didn’t suit me. One day, I got a job with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint, and it was the most fun I’d ever had at any job. Ever since then, I’ve been working with kids in some form. It runs in the family as I will be the 3rd generation of my family to go into the teaching field. I’m eager to have a classroom of my own so that I can utilize all I’ve learned over the past 8 years to give students the highest quality of education."

 

Daniela Rodriguez

"My name is Daniela and I’m from Toledo, Ohio. I went to Calvin M. Woodward High School and that is where I found my reason to become an educator. The reason I want to became an educator is because of a teacher named Mrs. Ann Koch. She knew how to build relationships with her students and pushed them beyond their limits. She was always there for support and was a shoulder to cry on. As an educator, I would love to be able to have connections with my students like the one I’ve had with Mrs. Koch."

 

Elibeth Quintero

"My name is Elibeth and I’m from Nicaragua, a small country located in Central America. I’m not in any sport, but I love to play and watch soccer. In my spare time, I work at the cafeteria. I want to become a teacher because I want to make a good impact in students’ lives. I want to make sure they feel prepared to go out to the real world. My goal is to make good leaders."

 

 

Mia Lopez

"My name is Mia, and I am a second year Primary Education major with a minor in Psychology. I graduated in 2021 from Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, California. At Lourdes, I play on the women’s volleyball team while being the student ambassador for the Honors Program. I chose education due to my passion towards working and connecting with underprivileged youth and making a difference in their unpredictable lives. I have been working with elementary students since I was 16, and quickly became inspired and drawn to their curiosity about the world. Upon graduating in 2025, I hope to work as a kindergarten/first grade teacher in at-risk districts of Toledo. As an educator I hope to be a consistent source of light and empathy for my students in hopes to help them create the building blocks needed to become kind, driven, and curious people."

Waseem Abed

“Hello, my name is Waseem Abed. I am from Toledo, Ohio and my major is AYA social studies. I spent two years at Owens community college where I received an associate degree in education concentration. I want to become an educator because of the impact my teachers have had on me during my time in school. Given this opportunity I want to be the teacher that impacts future students”

 

Justin Kruczkowski

“Hello, my name is Justin. I was born and raised in West Toledo and am a proud TPS graduate of Roy C. Start HS.  Currently I am a Master of Education candidate with a focus in Special Education.  My Undergraduate degree is from the University of Findlay '08 and was a BA, in Studio Art.   Education to me is a chance to support to develop young people that at times may not feel or receive the help they need to feel empowered in the world of academia.  I have been blessed to coach wrestling for the last 15 years and I love coaching, I want to take the same energy and direction into the classroom to help students reach their full learning potential!”

 

Jasmine Green

“Hello, my name Jasmine Green. I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I aspire to become the teacher that kids remember. My goal is to teach children in ways they will always remember. I want kids to know that no matter what they want to be they can achieve it and more. They can be just like me.”

 

Fizza Khan

“Hello, my name is Fizza. I am from Sylvania, Ohio. My major is Dual Elementary Education. I previously attended BGSU. I want to become an educator because when I was in elementary school, I was bullied, and my intervention specialist, Mrs. Rathge, was always there for me. She made such a difference in my life by merely listening, so now I want to follow in her footsteps and make a difference for other children, just like she did for me!”

 

Shatarra Carter

“Hello, my name is Shatarra Carter and I’m from Toledo, OH. I’m a Primary Education major. I want to be an educator because I feel like we need more teachers of color in education. I want to become the educator I didn’t see.  I also think I can make an impact on children.”

 

Cruz Martinez

“My name is Cruz Martinez, I am from Toledo Ohio, and I am a primary education major. I want to become an educator to give back to the community that made me who I am. Not always having the best resources or around the best influences, my teachers were there to make sure I stayed on the right track.”

 

Loreal Watkins

“Hello my name is Loreal Watkins, from Toledo Ohio. I am currently a junior at Lourdes University majoring in dual elementary with dual licensure in special education pk- five. I previously attended Davis college. I am very excited to continue my education. My plan as an educator is to boost engagement and creativity when learning within the classroom. I hope to continue to be an inspiration, motivate, and foster students beliefs in their own abilities.”

 

James Allen

“Hello, my name is James Allen. My hometown is Sylvania, Ohio. I went to Southview High School and Bowling Green State University for undergrad. As a kid I thoroughly enjoyed my youth. I want to help other kids have same experiences in school and extracurricular activities. I believe I can do this by becoming and educator.”

 

Sharonda Galloway

“Hello my name is Sharonda Galloway, born and raised in Toledo Ohio. I have obtained undergrad degrees in Social Work, Family life education with a concentration on Psychology. I have worked for Lucas County in case management and for the State of Ohio as a Program Administrator servicing those with developmental disabilities, mental health and mental illness. Currently I'm a graduate student pursuing a Masters of Education degree in Special Education with Initial licensure. I have a desire to pursue a career in Special Education because I want to help shift the stigma that surrounds Mental health, Mental illness and Special Education services. Support in the area of education can help set the stage for a persons success in life. Many students who have special needs do not receive all the services they need in order to be successful in school. This can often lead to issues with success later in life. I believe that quality Education can have a positive impact and change the course of a persons life, I want to help be a part of that change.”

 

Emanuel Durden

“Hello, my name is Emanuel. I am a previous student of Findlay University and Owens Community College. I am a Toledo, Ohio and I graduated from Springfield High School. My current major is early childhood education. Being an educator is something I feel comes very natural to me. I believe it is my calling. Being a positive figure while educating children will become extremely rewarding. It is essential that we have teachers who also tend to the unmet needs of an individual. Needs that are crucial to a child’s educational success.”