Introducting Liz O'Brien

My husband and I

My name is Liz O'Brien, I was born and raised in San Diego. I grew up in Encinitas attending schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District where I hope to teach after my credential is finished.  I got my bachelor's degree at UC Davis in Wildlife Conservation Biology, which I plan to finally use teaching Biology at the high school level. After college I lived in San Francisco for a few years and finally moved back to Southern California 2 years ago with my husband and dog Lulu... I missed the sunshine too much. I currently work in advertising and have been wanting to go back to school to become a teacher for a long time, finally I am making that happen.
At home I have a Mac laptop which is a little slow and out dated but I love it.  Mac's are so easy to use and very intuitive if you don't know something. At work I sit in front of a PC computer all day.  It is a little odd switching back and forth between a PC at work and a Mac at home, at times I find myself trying to key in control copy on the Mac accidentally.  In general I depend on technology a lot.  My current job requires me to use excel and Powerpoint daily and out of work I use my iPhone or laptop for the internet.  Iphone's are great because there are so many apps that make my life so convenient.  If you want anything, such as getting a recommendation for a restaurant or knowing what your bank account balance is, there is an app for it just a click away.
The College of Education Mission Statement is particularly important growing up, living and planning on teaching in California.  We have such a diverse population in this community and there are many challenges to meet the educational needs of all different kinds of children in our schools. As a teacher it will take collaboration and committment to be successful.  I think the college of education at CSUSM will be a great start to my new profession as a teacher.