The Journey Honored: Family Sacrifice, Teacher Belief, and First-Gen. Success
Send us Fan Mail"Sometimes a teacher's most important lesson isn't something they teach—it is helping a student believe that a door is open."Our guests include:Dr. Erin McGinnis Krause: Dr. Erin McGinnis Krause earned Bachelor's Degrees in Elementary Education and in Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing from The University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee. Following service in Peace Corps Ecuador, she returned to Milwaukee to teach in an elementary two-way immersion program and to earn her Master's and Ph.D. in Urban Education/Bilingual Education. Dr. Krause taught for several years at UW--Milwaukee and at Edgewood University before devoting twenty years as a bilingual high school teacher in a small community near Madison, Wisconsin. Recently retired, she explains that her years as a high school teacher were the most challenging--and the most rewarding--of her career.From their first day as freshmen through their last day as seniors and beyond, Dr. Krause challenged students to consider their futures. Her message to them was persistent: s"You may choose not to go to college, but do not allow poor grades to make that choice for you." Together, Dr. Krause worked with every senior to complete daunting applications for FAFSA, colleges, the trades, and employment opportunities, hurdles that can further limit opportunities. She encourages all students to seek support for such applications before leaving high school. Even in retirement, Dr. Krause remains active in helping shape the futures of the youth of the community.Immigrants and children of immigrants have unique strengths and challenges. Because most immigrant parents did not experience school systems in the US, it can be difficult for them to guide their children to the academic success that they want and deserve. Students and families benefit significantly from a dedicated liaison to support academic success and to help parents and students discover and navigate the myriad opportunities available. Dr. Krause cautions teachers and administrators that providing students with links to applications and opportunities is not enough; direct guidance in their completion is critical. Furthermore, she encourages school administrators to involve parents and children in discussions regarding how to meet their needs and how to support their strengths. Karina: My name is Karina Falcon Gonzalez. My family is originally from Mexico, and Spanish was my first language when I entered kindergarten. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Marquette University, and recently earned my Master of Science in Behavioral Health Psychology from Carroll University. Encouragement for ELL & first-generation college students: Don’t let a “no,” a challenge, or a system that wasn’t built with you in mind convince you that you don’t belong. Use those "no's" as fuel to continue pushing forward toward your goals, even when you have to create your own path to get there. Advice for teachers and administrators of EL students: Being an English learner is only one part of a student’s story. Every student brings unique experiences and needs, making it essential to build a close-knit community where each student feels safe, seen heard, and valued.Adriana - My family and I are from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. My father moved to the United States in 1994 and My mother, my two brothers and I lived in Guadalajara till 2001. Before 2001 both of parents decided that they needed to move my brothers and I out the country since we were getting older and wanted a better future for us. I remember that my grandparents came and dropped my mother, my brothers and I at the bus station and started crying when they said goodbye to us. I was so confused because I didn’t know why they were crying. My mother did not tell us that we were coming to Unites State I thought we were going to go visit an aunt that lived in Tijuana. That was not the cases so, in 2001 my mother, my brothers and I crossed the border, and we arrived at Wisconsin in September 2001. When I entered the American school system, I was 10 years old and I was supposed to be in 5th grade except since I did not speak English, they made my brothers and I go down a grade. So, I had to repeat 4th grade again. I graduated High school in 2010 and started my college Journey in 2015 after getting married and having two beautiful boys. I received my Associates degree in Science Criminal Justice from Essex County College in 2018 and transferred to Rutgers University that same year. I received my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2021. Encouragement for ELL & first-generation college students: If I could provide a one sentence piece of encouragement for ESL first gen college student, it would be that everything is possible as long as you work hard for what you want in life. Sometimes we look at the lives of other people and see how easy new opportunities come into their lives because of their skin color or because of the people they know and it makes you question why my life can’t be that easy or why waste my time if I’m not going to get that same opportunities. But what you don’t realize is that everything you live during your life makes you a smarted, stronger, and more successful person in the end. So never believe you can’t do something because in the end you will surprise yourself in everything you can accomplish when you don’t give up and work hard for what you want. Advice for teachers and administrators of EL students: If I could provide a sentence of advice for teachers/administrators of ESL students, it would be to please do not give up on them. I know sometimes we seem like we are not thankful or that we don’t care about school. But we do care and we do want to accomplish something in life. We just sometimes need to hear that we are capable of having a higher education so please keep on pushing and encouraging your students because we are truly blessed to have you guys in our lives. I know sometimes it’s hard, but I can honestly say that you do truly make a difference and you do become an important part of that student’s life.Mayra : Mayra earned her degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, along with a certificate in Chicano/a and Latino/a Studies. Her education and personal experiences have shaped her passion for supporting families, empowering women, and helping others navigate challenges to achieve their goals.Mayra works for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, where she supports Spanish-speaking mothers throughout their breastfeeding journeys, from pregnancy through the postpartum period. Through education, resources, and individualized guidance, she helps mothers feel informed, prepared, and supported as they make decisions about feeding their babies. She recognizes that every mother’s journey is different and is committed to helping women work toward their breastfeeding goals, whatever those goals may be. When breastfeeding does not go as planned, she connects mothers with additional WIC resources and support to ensure they continue to receive the care and guidance they need.Mayra’s commitment to helping others is deeply rooted in her own life experiences. As a teenage mother, she faced challenges while navigating both motherhood and the education system. Beginning in ninth grade, she received guidance and encouragement from Dr. Erin McGinnis Krause, a mentor who played a significant role in shaping her future. Erin helped Mayra understand how to navigate educational opportunities while also supporting her through difficult moments in life. Through her mentorship, Mayra learned the importance of education, perseverance, and believing in her ability to overcome challenges. Erin consistently reminded her that she could do hard things and pursue her education, even when circumstances made the journey difficult.Today, Mayra looks up to Erin as a mother figure and carries the lessons she learned from her into her own work and relationships with others. Her experience as a young mother has given her a meaningful perspective on the importance of having someone who believes in you, provides guidance, and helps you recognize your potential.Mayra’s journey has taught her that education is power and that the support someone receives during challenging times can make a lasting difference in their future. Inspired by the encouragement and compassion she received from Erin, Mayra has discovered her passion for helping others in the same way she was once helped. Through her work with WIC, she continues that commitment by empowering mothers, connecting families with resources, and reminding women that they deserve support as they navigate motherhood. Her story reflects the lasting impact of mentorship, the strength found in overcoming challenges, and the importance of using personal experiences to make a positive difference in the lives of others.#jackeduppodcast #newpodcast #education #knowledgeispower #global #professionaldevelopment
