Hello! My name is Ana Alonso. I was born in Madrid, Spain, and moved to the United States at the age of seventeen as an international student to continue my studies. Leaving my home, my family, and everything I knew behind at such a young age was not easy. Arriving in a new country without speaking the language fluently and with little knowledge of the culture was both exciting and overwhelming, but it became one of the most transformative experiences of my life.
 

Since I was twelve years old, I have known that my calling was to be a teacher. My journey in the United States, especially during my first years, came with challenges. I arrived in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, and adapting to a new school environment was not always easy. At times, I experienced a sense of rejection, largely due to cultural differences and unfamiliarity. Over the years, living in different states and interacting with diverse communities helped me understand that many of these experiences come from a lack of exposure to other cultures rather than from intentional negativity.
 

These experiences shaped not only who I am, but also the way I approach teaching. They taught me the importance of language, cultural understanding, and empathy. Learning to communicate across cultures opened my perspective and showed me how powerful education can be in bringing people together and breaking down barriers.
 

As an educator, my goal is to create a supportive, welcoming, and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable and confident. I believe that through teaching and knowledge, we can transform future generations and help build a more open-minded society based on equality and free from discrimination based on gender, race, or sexual orientation. I want my students not only to learn a new language, but also to develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives.