MY STORY

By Dena Ortiz

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ABOUT ME

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My name is Dena Ortiz and I am a student at Texas A&M University-Commerce. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Organization, Learning, and Technology with the goal of working in either higher education administration or human resources. Though I still do not know where exactly my academic pursuits will take me, I do know that I am a passionate learner with the desire to help others by teaching, guiding, and offering administrative support.

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ACADEMICS

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I began my college journey at Collin College where I received my Associate of Arts in General Studies. During this time, I discovered that I was interested in subjects such as philosophy, psychology, and English. After completing my AA, I then transferred to Texas Woman's University (TWU) where I received my Bachelor in General Studies with concentrations in English and Sociology. It was during my time at TWU that I realized I had a passion for education itself. I longed for a career in which I could embrace this interest. I eventually decided on my current degree, Organization, Learning, and Technology, because of its versatility and focus on integrating aspects of human resources such as organization development with adult learning and educational technology.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Though my work experience is limited to part time jobs while I have been attending college, I think I have gained important skills in the positions I have held. I have worked as a pet sitter for a family-owned pet sitting business, a laundry attendant for a memory care facility, a kennel technician at an animal hospital, and an afternoon teacher at a Montessori. Each of these jobs has allowed me to explore my interests and given me opportunities to practice my own teaching skills. As a student and lifelong learner, I am always looking for lessons in my experiences.

The jobs I have worked have taught me how to collaborate with others, improved my communication skills, and given me opportunities to help others in many different ways such as helping clients by caring for their loved ones (either pet, child, or parent), building relationships with students through teaching and play, and guiding or supporting coworkers with difficult tasks or situations.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Some of my hobbies include running, tennis, hiking, yoga, creative writing, crocheting, playing ukulele or guitar, drawing, reading, watching anime, PC gaming, and more! Though it is impossible to have time to engage in all of these activities regularly, I have a passion for these interests especially. Currently, my main focus is improving my athletic ability and health so most of my free time is dedicated to running and being apart of nature.

GOALS

I have many personal goals, however, the goal most important to me is to finish my college degree and begin my career. My dream job is to work in higher education administration because my passion is education and learning. I am a mission-driven person so having a career that allows me to be apart of a cause bigger than myself is important to me. I am fascinated by the organization and interconnectedness of systems which is why I am interested in both higher education administration and human resources. My own educational journey has provided me with clarity and self-acceptance that I hope to help others achieve. Whether those I help and teach are traditional or nontraditional college students, employees, or other adult learners, my goal is to guide learners and support the organization I work for.