Sara Lopez ‘22 came full circle when she received an offer letter in the mail for her dream job. In March of 2022, Lopez was offered a position to teach second grade at Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy – the elementary school she attended as a child. The elementary school is part of Aspire Public Schools, a K-12 school system focused on improving public education by preparing underserved students for college.

Lopez received an offer letter for the position just a few days after her second interview, and just a few months before graduating from Pacific with a bachelor's degree in diversified education.

“This job was exactly what I had wanted,” said Lopez. “I could not believe that I had been offered my dream job at my alma mater before even graduating.”

Lopez attended Aspire Public Schools when she was a young girl and her experience as a student inspired her to go into teaching.

“Thanks to Aspire, I was able to be confident, competent, and comfortable in my abilities,” said Lopez. “My dream was for every student and family to have the opportunities and support I had.”

Lopez is now fulfilling her dream of giving back to the community by educating students of diverse backgrounds and identities. She believes all students are deserving of success and support, which is why she is proudly fulfilling her role as an educator.

“You never truly know how far your influence will go,” said Lopez. “Don’t just be a teacher, be an EDUCATOR – don't just teach students to count but teach them WHAT counts.”

Lopez was recently awarded the 2022 Don Shalvey: Changing the Odds Award in recognition of Aspire Public Schools’ alumni who are the first in their families to graduate from college and give back to the community. Her experience at Aspire has been nothing short of positive thus far and she hopes to continue fostering the organization's missions and values.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” said Lopez. “I feel supported, appreciated and loved again, just like I want my students to feel every day.”

Career Services is proud to have worked with Sara Lopez throughout her career journey by helping with her interview skills and enhancing her resume and cover letter.  She has come a long way in her career journey, and we are proud of her for achieving her career goals.

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