From tutoring to teaching: SDSU Imperial Valley student fulfills his dream to teach math

When Arturo Bojorquez began his journey at Holtville Middle School as math tutor for the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program, he often tutored  kindergarten, first or second graders.

One of his students was struggling a bit, Bojorquez recounted, and worked through the student’s homework together. At the end of the session, his student looked up at him and said, "I wish you could be my math teacher one day."

Now he’s back at the school teaching eighth graders to complete his credential with SDSU Imperial Valley’s Division of Education. When that same student entered his class as an eighth grader, he said, "Now you can be my math teacher at high school!"

“In a way, I grew up with my students,” said Bojorquez. “It’s our job as teachers to make our students feel supported and motivated. I try to always lead with a positive attitude and make them feel comfortable in the classroom.” 

Bojorquez first started his education in the United States at 15, after his family moved from Tijuana, Mexico looking for better financial and education opportunities. In the first few years, he often felt that overcoming the language barrier was one of his main challenges at school.

Still, his dedication and passion toward pursuing his education grabbed the attention of an early mentor, and now colleague, Carlos Cañez, a Holtville Middle School teacher.

“I struggled for a bit adjusting to the new school system, and also the classes since they were all held in English,” said Bojorquez. “I was shy because I also had an accent, so it was hard for me to express myself and ask for help when I needed it.”

Although his initial plan was to study engineering, his experience working in and around classrooms opened his eyes to the impact teachers can have on students. 

“I relate to some of the experiences that my students go through, especially those who may not know English very well or are dealing with personal issues at home,” said Bojorquez. 

After completing his associate’s degree at Imperial Valley College, he transferred to SDSU Imperial Valley in 2019, where he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. 

Bojorquez juggled working two jobs and taking classes in the evening. He was singularly focused on graduating and applying to SDSU Imperial Valley’s teaching credential program within the Division of Education, which 34 students completed the program last year.

“I knew getting into the teaching credential program at SDSU Imperial Valley was the next step because I knew it would prepare me academically and professionally,” said Bojorquez. “I heard from other colleagues and former classmates the program equips you well, so I wanted to be part of that, too.”

In fall 2023, Bojorquez was accepted. 

“Math can be a complicated subject for many students,” said Bojorquez. “They come into the classroom with the idea that they dislike the subject or that it’s way too hard. But, as a teacher, I know my energy and my way of approaching the subject impacts how students learn and receive feedback.”

Currently finishing his student teaching portion of the program, Bojorquez plans to continue his education at SDSU, with the goal to go on to earn a master’s degree in education. 

“There have been a lot of ups and downs, but it has always been worth it,” said Bojorquez. “There is always support, you just have to ask.”