Teacher Stories

Our podcast celebrates teachers and the important role they play in our lives and communities.

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One Student's Journey from Afghanistan to a Better Education in the U.S.

At just 14 years old, Mahboba Ansari fled Afghanistan seeking a better future, arriving in Modesto, California in 2016. With the guidance of her high school teacher Lindsey Bird, Mahboba overcame challenges and earned acceptance to UC Davis, where she begins her journey in fall 2020.

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From the rodeo to the university-Robert Nelsen's journey to academia

Robert Nelsen was content to work on his ranch in Montana and to ride in the rodeo.  As "punishment" for being a "smart ass," Nelsen's high school teacher made him apply for college. Now Dr. Nelsen is now president of one of California's largest public universities. 

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Karina Figueroa-Ramirez Could Relate to Her Latinx Teacher

As a child, Karina Figueroa-Ramirez had never encountered a teacher who shared her cultural background until 7th grade. Her Latinx English teacher encouraged her love of books, listened to her, and inspired her to envision a brighter future—an impact Karina is now paying forward nearly 20 years later.

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