We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Rivera . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.
Hi Michelle , thanks for joining us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?
I have a 13 year career working on both television and digital media. I have worked with several brands as an ambassador and have covered many studio and celebrity events as well. In 2008, I also won a regional Emmy Award for a tv show I co-hosted in Denver, Colorado.
I enjoyed my career in media, but during Covid, while I watched my children and their teachers navigate online education, I became inspired to want to make a positive difference within society. That’s when I decided to go back to school and get my single subject teaching credential in English, while simultaneously earning my Master’s Degree of Education in Teacher Leadership as well. This was not an easy path to choose though, because I am a woman in my 40’s with two children, and so there was already a lot on my plate. However, I called it my second act and moved forward in my new journey.
While I was in the credential program, I earned an Internship at a high school where I was going to be the students’ full-time teacher because their teacher was going on maternity leave. I was literally just thrown in as most new teachers are and it was terrifying at first. However, it became the most rewarding experience, and I know that sounds like a cliche, but it’s just the truth.
Even with how rewarding it was though, it was also the most difficult experience too. I was in a full-time hybrid teaching credential and Master’s degree program, while I also was a new full-time teacher. In addition, I have my own two children, and so I can assure you that the stress and pressure was on, and that many people probably thought it was an impossible path that I was going on.
Moreover, during my Internship there were several deaths in my family, literally one after the other. My sister-in-law had passed away of cancer, then my estranged father passed away, followed by my cousin, and then my Abuelita (my grandma). In addition to all of this, I had to pass a very challenging state teaching portfolio exam, called the edTPA, and it was due at the same time as when my grandma passed away. Sometimes I look back on what I endured during that year and I can’t believe I did it. However, I was definitely in survival mode and felt I had to do it. I had to be resilient because I was determined to successfully complete my program. I also had my two daughters as my main motivational factors, because I wanted to set an example to them, that you can accomplish anything with hard work and determination.
I was both physically and emotionally exhausted during that year, but, I had a wonderful mentor, and I had special people in my life who helped me to keep going. They would cheer me on, give me pep talks when I needed them, let me cry and also provided much needed hugs. I was very blessed to have them in my life during that time.
So now I’’m very proud of myself because I kept going and I passed my edTPA on my first try. I also finished the credential and Master’s program with straight A’s, and the school I was interning at, hired me as a full-time staff teacher for the following school year.
The lesson here is if you really want something, you can achieve it if you have the tenacity. However, it’s also important to have a few supporting people in your life to help you get through those tough days.
In addition, remember that it’s okay to cry sometimes during the process. After all, we are only human and that kind of emotional release is needed at times. However, always keep going, even if it’s in baby steps. I continued to move forward, until I finally accomplished what I set out to do.
Michelle , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I explained most of this in the last question. However, I think the biggest take away from my story of going from a career in media to a career in education, is that you can pivot and change the trajectory of your life if you really have the determination and goal set in mind to do so. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your circumstances may be, if you really want it then you’ll find a way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michellerivera.com
- Instagram: @michelleriveralifestyle
- Facebook: @michelleriveralifestyle
Image Credits
Michelle Rivera