Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Serena. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what lead you down your current life path.
I have always been a natural-born teacher with a nurturing spirit. However, I didn’t want to be a school teacher. When I first attended college I was majoring in Social Work. My major then changed about 2 or 3 more times after that because I was conflicted within myself. It wasn’t until I landed a job in a school cafeteria that I started to see a change in where my life was supposed to be heading. I was pulled from the cafeteria into the classroom, and I have been excelling ever since.
What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?
Being accepted into TCU has been one of my biggest accomplishments. College was not something that was pushed on me as a child. I had to find my own way throughout life. To be able to attend such a prestigious school and in the state where I am from has been an honor. I am so proud of myself for making it this far because I know that the odds have always been against me.
What do you enjoy most about teaching/tutoring, Serena?
I am a natural teacher and enjoy teaching in general. I really enjoy tutoring because I thrive in small group settings. I like to be 1-on-1 with students, and in a more controlled space. Being able to bring understanding to an individual is very rewarding. I feel like tutoring is a great place for me to start and progress in my teaching skills while still working within my field.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love to spend time with my younger sister. We like to go to different parks, restaurants, and stores in the city. I am a huge football fan, so during the season, I love to watch the Cowboys and Horned Frogs play. I have been dancing for many years, so when I do have time I like to choreograph different material and teach classes. Most of all I love to be outside and enjoy the weather when it really nice
Tell about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?
In 2019 I went to South Padre Island. This was my first time ever going to the beach, so I really enjoyed it. We stayed in a hotel on the beach and had access to all of the shops and restaurants. The ride that my friend and I took on the banana boat was both terrifying and fun. I would never do it again because we flipped over into the ocean, but we were all safe, and apparently, that was supposed to happen. I had a pretty bad sunburn when I got back, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.
Is there something exciting you are working on now? What is it and why did you choose to start it?
Currently, I am working on getting my choreography business back into action. I am a professional dancer, and it is something I do to release my creativity. When I used to teach dance classes, I taught within the inner-city where children were less fortunate. This gave them an opportunity to be a part of a team, and have a sense of belonging. I plan to go very far with my choreography and will be holding lessons very soon. It’s important to give children something to be involved in, and a way to release their energy.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
The Bible makes a significant impact on me every day. I memorize scriptures from different books and keep them close to me throughout the day. Whenever I need wisdom or clarity on something, the word of God is always there to direct me in the right direction. The life of Jesus Christ resonates with me because He taught us how to live through tough times. I read my Bible every day and it has improved my way of living and thinking. I don’t look at the Bible as a history book, but rather His story, or the story of Jesus Christ.
The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?
My advice to this young individual would be to believe in yourself. I know we may hear this a lot, but I understand why it is said. Many times we hope to do things, but we don’t have enough faith in ourselves that we can get it done. Do not let someone tell you that you cannot do something. People don’t have dreams as big as yours, and sometimes cannot fathom why you would aspire to do certain things. Stay focused and encourage yourself daily, and you will reach success.
What are you most passionate about? Can you share a story?
I am passionate about humanity. I don’t believe that it is the will of God for people to be hungry, homeless or live in poverty. Many children in the school system live this way, and their education is impacted. A student’s socioeconomic status has direct correlation with the present and future of their education. We need to find ways to get more funding for our schools and colleges.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be?
The movement that I would inspire to bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people is, following Jesus. Having a relationship with the son of God is the most important relationship in your life. I inspire to move this current and next generation from religion to relationship. I inspire people to move from Christianity to true relationship with God. The church has shut out a whole generation because of what they look like. Jesus came so we could have life and live it more abundantly (John 10:10), no matter who we are.
