#17. Education Through the Lens of an Educator, Student, and Woman of Color with Annette Jones

Born and raised in East San Jose, CA. Annette Gonzales Jones grew up in a family and community of hard-working individuals that strived to provide opportunities for a better future for their children through education. She carries great gratitude for the life lessons of her family and community, especially from those who were not able to pursue higher education. As a Latina and first-generation college student, earning a B.A. in English with a minor in Mexican American Studies at San Jose State University in 2003 was her first step into higher education. As a current high school English teacher with nineteen years of experience, she works to support students who are also striving to be the first in their families to attend college. As the program coordinator and English teacher for the Puente program at her school site, she fosters a supportive environment with a student-centered curriculum that integrates Latinx and multicultural literature and themes of identity within the framework of college preparatory English classes. Recently, in the Spring semester of 2022, she began taking courses in the Chicana/o Studies Master Program at San Jose State University through Open University to re-establish herself in the role of student in higher education. She was officially accepted into the Chicana/o Studies Master’s Program in the Fall of 2022. Annette is the first in her immediate family to pursue a Master’s degree. She hopes to inspire her students and others to see that the pursuit of higher education can happen at different stages in life. The Puente Project - https://www.thepuenteproject.org/ Books mentioned on the show: What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly by Arianna Davis - https://amzn.to/3W2PqIt Podcasts mentioned on the show: The Daily - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736 Latino USA - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/latino-usa/id79681317 Common Grounds with Van Jones - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncommon-ground-with-van-jones/id1589218971 ——— Enjoy this Podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired & empowered! Questions? You can contact me through my website www.PocketsofKnowledge.com or find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/desireedstanley/. Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit the website. You may also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher. If you enjoyed today’s episode of the Pockets of Knowledge Podcast, then hit subscribe and share it with your friends! ——— Please note that this episode may contain advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. This podcast is intended to educate, inspire and empower you on your personal journey.