Meet my March Mentee, Ms. Amanda Hichez!

She is currently a 1L at the George Washington University Law School. She is also a member of the Black Law Students Association and the Latin Law Students Association. She is the 1L Representative for the Human Rights Law Association, the Equal Justice Foundation, the Law Association for Women, and GW Law for the People.

She is very passionate about becoming a Civil Rights Trial Attorney and has served in many different roles to prepare her for this career path. She worked as a Probate Clerk at the Hudson County Surrogate Court for two years and was also a Judicial Intern for the Third District Court in New Jersey.

Amanda is a Drew University graduate with a major in Political Science and a minor in Law Justice and Society. She took part in sports as well and played competitive rugby in college. She also studied abroad in Madrid, Spain for a semester. She graduated from Hoboken High School in 2019.

Amanda says, “I remember how valuable and pivotal being a part of F.L.O.R. was for me during my middle school years. It really did feel like a sisterhood and a way to connect to our Hispanic roots in a predominantly white community. Becoming pen pals with girls of other communities definitely served its purpose of connecting us with people outside of our Hoboken bubble! Now that I'm older, I realize how beneficial creating that space was for me and all the girls. At Drew University, I put together a lot of initiatives on diversity with NJ schools like a "Diversity Matters'' essay competition and a civic engagement project to diversify school curriculums. Looking back, I realize that F.L.O.R. was the first time I saw diversity and inclusion efforts in action!”

Congratulations to Ms. Amanda Hichez! We are proud of you! Continue to be the difference this world needs!

I am truly honored to introduce and celebrate my January mentee, Louis Apuzzio. As a professor, I have had the pleasure of working with countless aspiring educators. Still, Mr. Apuzzio stands out as one of the most dedicated and passionate individuals I have had the privilege of mentoring. Currently employed by the Union City Board of Education, Mr. Apuzzio teaches 4th-grade Math and Science, and his enthusiasm for these subjects is contagious. It is clear that he truly loves what he does and is committed to making a positive impact on his students' lives. From his time at Union County College and Kean University, Mr. Apuzzio has already achieved so much, including publishing a math book titled Basic Facts for the 4 Operations. This is a testament to his hard work and determination, and I do not doubt that he will continue to achieve great things in the future. He is also deeply involved with his students on a personal level, running enrichment programs after school and developing an SEL (social and emotional learning) lunch program that promotes friendship and positivity. This shows his commitment to not only academic success but also the overall well-being of his students. As a fellow educator in New Jersey, I am proud to call Mr. Apuzzio a colleague and to witness the positive impact he is making in the public school system. He is a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated and passionate educator, and I have no doubt that he will continue to guide and inspire the next generation. Here's to an amazing 2024 and all the wonderful things that Mr. Apuzzio will accomplish in the future. Cheers to you, Louis Apuzzio! #armyofgreateducators #blessed #teacherlife @profeperez2017.

Meet my November Mentee, Ms. Mayra from West New York Public Schools! Help me recognize this young educator devoted to teaching little learners (Pre-K 4). With kind words and a big smile, she leads the way for the day.  Ms. Mayra has a genuine love for teaching and learning, and she is always looking for new and innovative ways to engage her students. With 13 years of experience, she continues to learn and encourage those around her. She works closely with her colleagues and families to support the development of her students. Cheers to Ms. Mayra! Thank you for doing the #bigpicture work and for being part of an army of great educators. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the magnificent work of educators like Ms. Mayra.

#teacherlife

#big picture

#armyofgreateducators

#blessed

@profeperez2017

Meet Mrs. Perez-Botello, my October mentee from the Union City Public Schools! As a teacher, she leads by example and teaches our young learners about resilience and determination in education. I am so proud of you! Let's continue to be a part of the #armyofgreateducators, always keeping the

#bigpicture in mind. Feeling #blessed to have such amazing mentees!

#teacherlife

I am thrilled to share my experience mentoring one of my fantastic mentees, Mrs. Rodriguez. She is a dedicated teacher in the Jersey City Public Schools, and I am beyond proud of her. Ms. Rodriguez's commitment to teaching, loving, and encouraging her students' diversity is critical to their overall success. Sending light and love her way so that she can continue to shine and show everyone how it's done. Together, let's celebrate and support the incredible work of educators like Ms. Rodriguez.

#armyofgreateducators

#bigpicture

#teacherlife

@profeperez2017