about me

About Me... "Happiness is not a destination; it's a journey, so work like you don't need money, dance like no one is watching and love like you've never been hurt." -Stephen Crane

	Hi my name is Joanna Yuen. I was born in Hong Kong. I belong to a family of four and I am the youngest. I have one sister who is almost three years older than me. My family and I immigrated to United States when I was six and lived in Sacramento, CA since then. Attending Caroline Wenzel Elementary School, I was an EL student for the first few years. My native language is Chinese (Cantonese) but I would identify English as my primary language. I can speak Chinese fluently but my writing ability is limited to less then 100 words. Nevertheless, it is extremely beneficial to be bilingual and to part of two cultures.

	I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology (with a minor in Sociology) in 2007 from University of California, Davis. Currently, I am continuing my journey at UC Davis by working toward a multiple subject teaching credential. As part of the program, I am student teaching in a fourth grade classroom at Silveyville Elementary School. My ultimate goal is to finish my studies in March 2009 with a Masters of Arts in Education.

	I have been interested in teaching since childhood. I think this career is a good fit for me. It has always been what I wanted and, to me, being an effective teacher is fun and challenging. Furthermore, I enjoy working with children because they are not only fascinating, but we can learn unexpected things from them everyday. The simple things children say or do can make my day. Lastly, the difference teachers make in children’s’ lives is inevitable.

	My interests besides working with children include cooking, reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends and family, and pretty much any physical activities. In addition to sports like basketball, football, jogging, and biking, my new interest include indoor rock climbing, running in races (e.g. 10k), and racquetball. I also enjoy making collages, sewing, and collecting children’s books.

My Teaching Philosophy	My older sister, Me, Dad, Mom 2007	My Teacher Metaphor