Anarelys Cruz-Allen

I was born and raised in the city where I teach. Both my parents were immigrants. They both worked factory level jobs and lives pay check to pay check. I understand the struggles my students and their families have. I lived it! My father would always say" we're not poor we're just broke!" I asked him once what that meant. He told me that being poor is a mentality and I could achieve all my goals if I worked hard. My siblings and all grew up and went to college because it was something that was just expected of us. In my classroom I try to impart those lessons I got at home and that many of my students don't have because their families are so consumed being 'poor" that they don't dream for their kids b I was born and raised in the city where I teach. Both my parents were immigrants. They both worked factory level jobs and lives pay check to pay check. I... read more