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Esperanza Zárate always liked working with kids—from coaching summer soccer camps to volunteering at local elementary schools. Now graduating with her elementary education degree, she is ready to continue this passion through her own classroom.

Zárate, who received the School of Education Outstanding Contributions to Leadership in Education award and Outstanding Overall Undergraduate award, attributes her success at CU �鶹ӰԺ to finding her community through friends and family. 

“Being one of the eight people of color in my program, it felt isolating at times,” said Zárate. “The impact that being around people who genuinely want to see you succeed and want to support you is amazing.”

For Zárate, a critical lesson she learned was the importance of advocating for herself and her community. 

As an undergraduate, Zárate launched CU �鶹ӰԺ’s new chapter of the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO), a national organization with chapters across the country. While students in the elementary education program learn about bilingual education in their coursework and earn an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, she noticed the need for a space where future teachers could connect and reflect together. 

Students in BESO are committed to advancing bilingual education, supporting emergent bilingual students and connecting with the local community through events. For the last two years, the BESO group has participated in the Dia del Niño community event hosted by the �鶹ӰԺ Museum of Contemporary Art. Last year, they helped kids construct their own alebrijes and shared where the tradition comes from. This year, helped kids visually portray their own identities as constellations. 

“[Esperanza] embraces a holistic view of bilingualism, recognizing students’ diverse language repertoires and lived experiences as assets in the classroom,” said Katie Leigh, director of elementary education and one of her award nominators. 

“In her work with emergent bilingual students and their families, she models this asset-based stance by affirming students’ identities and nurturing their potential in ways that reflect the same vision she advances through her leadership of BESO.”

After graduation, Zárate will bring her knowledge and passion to a dual language school in Edgewater, Colorado as a sixth grade teacher and teach the Spanish component classroom. 

In her own words

1) Please tell us a bit about yourself:

I am from Lakewood, Colorado. I am very family-oriented, so being close to home influenced part of my decision to go to CU �鶹ӰԺ. I have worked with kids for a long time: I was part of a club in high school where we would visit our nearby elementary school and build relationships with young students and I coach soccer camps every summer for third to fifth graders. Children are the most interesting, intelligent, curious and caring people—working with them is so rewarding.

2) What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at CU �鶹ӰԺ that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?

The importance of advocating for myself and my community.

3) What does graduating from CU �鶹ӰԺ represent for you or your family/community?

Being one of the eight people of color in my program, it felt isolating at times. But finding support in my community through friends and family is what got me to this point. I am proud of everything that I have accomplished, and I know I have made my family proud too.

4) What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

Find your community! The impact that being around people who genuinely want to see you succeed and want to support you is amazing!

5) What are your next steps after graduation?

I will be working at a dual language school (Edgewater Elementary) as a sixth grade teacher and teach the Spanish component classroom.