We’re harnessing the power of our greatest asset — the 40 million people who call California home. We need your help to tackle COVID-19, natural disasters, climate change, poverty, homelessness and other issues we may face in California.
We’re harnessing the power of our greatest asset — the 40 million people who call California home. We need your help to tackle COVID-19, natural disasters, climate change, poverty, homelessness and other issues we may face in California.
Emilio Ruiz, Ground Education
Aspiring Teacher Emilio Ruiz Impacts Students’ Lives
During the past academic year, Emilio Ruiz served as a #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Fellow with Ground Education, where he taught lessons in elementary school gardens throughout Long Beach. Emilio is grateful for the opportunity to work towards his goal to become a special education teacher, while making a positive impact in students’ lives.
How has your service experience impacted you and your community?
My experience with College Corps allowed me to create a positive impact towards young children in Long Beach elementary schools, while providing an opportunity to strengthen my teaching skills, with every school I visited.
What is something you did during your service that makes you proud?
I volunteered to speak to hundreds of College Corps Fellows at our Mid-Year Leadership Workshop at Cal Poly Pomona where I was able to share my personal story and how all my experiences have led me towards a career in education.
How has the College Corps experience inspired the next steps in your career or education?
My College Corps experience has inspired me to continuously find ways, both big and small to remain involved in my community and in schools, especially since I will be teaching in my own classroom within the next year.
What are your plans after service? What are your overall career/educational goals (“dream” job)?
I plan to finish my teaching credential program where I’ll receive my Liberal Studies degree and two separate credentials: multiple subjects (elementary, K-6th) and education specialist (special education, K-12th). My current career goal is to be hired as a special education teacher by the end of 2024.
