My name is Stephanie Botello and I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Both of my parents are from Mexico so I consider myself mostly Mexican since Spanish was my first language and I grew up with Mexico's culture and traditions. I have three older brothers and two loving puppies. Ever since I can remember, I have loved working with children. I would always be willing to help in Vacation Bible School over the summers at church and my passion to help carried on to the time I was in high school. I had the privilege of working part time as a Teacher Assistant at an elementary school my senior year which reaffirmed what I wanted to do. When I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2011, I already knew what I'd major in when I got to college. The more I learned about becoming an educator, the more I couldn't wait to have my own classroom. I am the first in the family to graduate from college with departmental recognition which is an accomplishment I'm proud to have. Growing up, I had teachers that did more than lecture. They taught me to be persistent, to work hard for what I wanted, and most importantly, they taught me to love learning which to me, has incomparable value. As an educator, I strive to guide my students towards success and instill in them the same values I was taught.