Howdy! My name is Areeba Guajardo. I am an educator, mentor, and creative. I earned my B.A. in Literary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) in 2016 and my M.A. from UTD in 2018. I have worked with students at the collegiate level for nearly a decade, and enjoy encouraging young minds to take on the exciting task of pursuing their passions and navigating the academic world.

As an educator, my philosophy is to encourage curiosity and compassion in equal parts. I encourage students to raise questions and develop research for fields they see gaps in; at the same time, I aim to help them build meaningful connections and approach projects from the heart.

I have worked with students at three colleges: UTD, Brookhaven Community College, and Texas A&M University. Throughout my journey, I have been lucky to work with students from all sorts of backgrounds and nationalities. My own background as a second-generation American has informed my approach to teaching. I believe that education is, at its best, both an equalizer and a changing force. Campuses are a meeting ground where students from all walks of life can come together to share ideas, build the future, and develop confidence. To work for a school means supporting and encouraging students in these pursuits.

Additionally, I believe academic mentorship plays a strong role in helping students become strong individuals. Guiding students through their questions and fears about class work and careers helps prepare them for the future, as well as provides them with a sense of stability.

Outside of teaching and mentoring, I believe that having a creative mindset is of the utmost importance. It is also necessary to teach our students that they can develop a life outside of school that fulfills and enriches their lives. Encouraging students to commit to volunteering, helping connect them with extracurricular groups that match their hobbies, and providing resources are instrumental for them, alongside mentoring and educating them to be part of a respectful and engaged community.