Mrs. Ochoa’s academic journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication. She holds an associate’s degree in Interdisciplinary studies from STC, a Bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Texas Pan American, and a Master’s degree in creative writing from UTRGV. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from the same college, showcasing her relentless pursuit of knowledge. 

What truly sets Mrs. Ochoa apart is her unwavering positivity. 

Ochoa views education as a grand, lifelong journey, a “platform to ignite students’ thirst for knowledge. Her optimism and passion are evident in her unwavering support for her students, creating a nurturing classroom environment. 

She has been a teacher for 16 years in the district of La Joya. 

A memorable moment that my teacher has and will always remember is when, during her first year of teaching, one student ended up pursuing the same path that she went through. That student got a bachelor’s degree in communication, and it just made her feel good that she taught a student who felt inspired to pursue the same path that Mrs. Ochoa went through. 

The teacher has always been interested in pop culture, and that influences the way she teaches in a big way. That interest makes her teaching styles fun and interactive, and they include themes/topics that students enjoy. That influence makes students like her more as a teacher since she doesn’t use doesn’t boring teaching methods; instead, she uses methods that make the class enjoyable. 

Mrs. Ochoa says, “I feel like I’ve always been a teacher at heart.” As the eldest sibling in her family, she has always tended to help and care for her family and others. 

Being a teacher has shaped her perspective on education. Mrs. Ochoa says, “Being a teacher inspires me to always have perspective for my students and to have an open mind because the world that we live in today is very fast-paced.”