Jennifer Tang

Administrative Assistant
School of Education

November 1, 2014

“One of my favorite things about UCI was how it gave me the opportunity to learn and explore, even internationally.”

I entered the University of California Irvine in Fall 2007 and majored in the now nonexistent Social Science major with an emphasis on secondary education. I minored in education and history. Since I wanted to become a social science teacher, I took classes upon classes to increase my knowledge.

I joined the School of Education’s Learning & Cognition lab during 2010-2011 and worked with Dr. Lindsey Richland and the late Dr. Michael Martinez. I became a research assistant and worked on projects such as the ST Math Project. As part of the lab, I learned the research aspect of education and developed admiration for the importance of education research. While I did not have a major project on my own, the LC Lab certainly helped me understand how education research is important to many aspects of life. It was a great honor to work briefly with both Dr. Richland and, especially, Dr. Martinez.

When I was taking an education course with Coach Tift, a representative from the Writing Project came to class seeking Pathway Readers for Dr. Carol Booth Olson’s Pathway Project. I applied and became a Pathway Reader for the Santa Ana Unified School District from 2008-2010. There, I learned about cognitive strategies, how to assess writing, and the importance of motivation between a student and a teacher. I saw how the Writing Project was a great support and resource for educators working on writing strategies with English Learners.

My time as a student at UCI was so endearing. One of my favorite things about UCI was how it gave me the opportunity to learn and explore, even internationally. During the summer of 2010, I had the privilege of studying abroad at Cambridge University Pembroke College, where I caught the traveling bug! This experience taught me so much about culture, history, and life.

After I received my bachelor’s degree, I enrolled in a teacher education program and learned the tools and knowledge to become a secondary teacher in the field of social science. I student-taught at a continuation school at the Garden Grove Unified School District and then substituted at the district for one year until UCI once again gave me more opportunities. I accepted a job at the Writing Project, my second home away from home, and returned to UCI.

As an administrative assistant, I interact with school districts and leading cognitive strategies researchers, although I am not working directly with students. I am looking forward to increasing my contribution in the future.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, spending time with family and friends, and reading! I am an avid concert attendee and a fan of the theatre. I always try to catch a Broadway production, whether it is in Orange County, Los Angeles, or New York City. I love to travel and hope to be on a plane to somewhere soon!

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