Pursuing purpose for equitable education
Geraldine Ledezma Garcia ’22 has truly made the most of her student experience at Lenoir-Rhyne. From her involvement in the Teaching Scholars program and as a founder of the Latin Hispanic Student Alliance to her leadership role as a resident assistant for three years, she’s explored many opportunities to learn where her true passions lie.
From Ledezma's involvement in the Teaching Scholars program and as a founder of the Latin Hispanic Student Alliance to her leadership role as a resident assistant for three years, she’s explored many opportunities to learn where her true passions lie. Now, she waits to accept her first job as an educator—staying true to learning about herself, the world and how to provide an equitable education to her future students.
A native of Mexico and a first-generation student, Ledezma shares that education has always been important to her.
“Our education system, in general, has always been a passion of mine,” Ledezma said. “Working with children has always drawn me. I’m also passionate about having equitable education available for children, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Ledezma said that Lenoir-Rhyne is equipping her to support her future students with an equitable education through the science of reading. During her college career, Ledezma has tutored at the LR’s Literacy Center, one of only 15 schools out of 1,000 nationwide and the only one in North Carolina to receive an A+ rating for its ability to produce highly qualified reading teachers.
“I think seeing firsthand and knowing that the work that I’m doing is important because I’ve been able to see how much our children have grown through the tutoring sessions,” she stated. “When I talk to my other friends that either go to different colleges or are already teaching, they didn’t learn the things I’ve already learned. So as a result, I feel more comfortable and supported as I prepare to step into the classroom.”
Strengthening education through reform and policy
In addition to influencing her students, Ledezma intends to use her voice to champion education reform and policy.
“I hope to help not only within the classroom, but I also want to continue to find ways to include all students and bring the same attitude of diversity and acceptance into my classroom and the school in general,” Ledezma said.
That defining moment happened in eighth grade for Ledezma. She said a teacher sparked her interest after reading a book that promoted donations to a foundation called GoodWeave, a nonprofit that works to stop child labor in global supply chains and provides them with an education.
“That lesson got me interested in social justice, specifically when it comes to equal access to education,” she shared. “I feel called to work in education and make it more accessible. Quality education is an education that is equitable and education that is accessible even with students in different circumstances.”
It was also the moment that motivated her to advocate for social justice.
“With my education at LR, I really hope to not only work with students within the classroom, but I also think it’s important to create relationships outside of that as well,” she said. “I eventually see myself working in legislation and helping bridge those gaps, whether it be with school transportation for students and zoning, or just what we include in our curriculum itself. I want more for the students, and that means working on different levels.”
