Aaron Cruz, originally from San Bernardino, California, graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2021 with a Preliminary Teaching Credential and Master of Arts Degree in Education. He earned the Kathryn Cheney Merriam Scholarship to help support his studies. UC Santa Cruz interviewed him about his educational experience.
With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out?
I was fascinated with the education master’s program, where I could get both my master’s degree and teacher credentials at the same time. Plus I was interested in how the department’s focus in education was on social justice and shrinking the achievement gap between historically disadvantaged students and other privileged students.
What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz?
I am hoping that I get a job offer working as a High School Biology Teacher.
What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz?
You do not need to know what you are doing when you are young. I am currently 30 years old. I got my bachelor’s degree in 2014 and left my undergraduate phase with no idea what to do. I had to really take my time and see if I had interests in my field of studies (MCDB). However, I had so many great opportunities with the nonprofit education field and realized my true passion. I am fortunate that UCSC gave me the opportunity to realize what type of teacher I could eventually be: one who is patient and with a focus on equity. I want my students to succeed in their studies to graduate from high school.