Growing up, English teacher Michelle Vega cherished the moments spent reading alongside her sister, creating a bond that was strengthened through their love for stories. As they transitioned into adulthood, this passion evolved to where they not only enjoyed literature together but also took the role of educators, teaching others the joys found within the pages of the book.
Originally from White Plains, New York, Vega has been teaching English for two years now but has been in education for 10 years. When Vega was a lot younger, she had the opportunity to be a teacher’s aid in college.Through this role, she gained knowledge about the teaching process by observing the educators around her. This experience allowed her to learn more about education. This experience allowed her not only to learn more about education but also to develop skills that are essential for working with younger students.
“My twin sister started teaching first,” Vega said. “I actually refused to even consider teaching, I loved books, but I didn’t want to be a copycat and follow my sister, but the more I learned [about teaching] from her the more I realized it was a great fit and it was something I could love and be passionate about.”
Even though Vega and her twin teach the same subject, Vega says that she and her twin sister can fit into two categories. Type A and type B; type A is all about being organized/tidy and being passionate, while type B is more about having the same passion and enthusiasm but a little more messy. Between the two, she says she more identifies with type B. Vega works with younger students, so she’s usually working with ninth and her twin usually works with eleventh.
“Our teaching methods are very similar,” Vega says. “We both have this idea that through love of something, you can learn more.”
As children, the sisters shared a deep love for reading that shaped their lives. They often found themselves showing interest in discussions about their favorite stories and one book that particularly captured Vega’s heart was “Jane Eyre.” Vega loved this book in particular because of the romance and mystery. The sisters’ enthusiasm for literature was evident, and they realized that there were limited career paths that allowed them to inspire others to appreciate books as much as they did.
“There are very few jobs you can try to make other people love books and teaching is one of those jobs,” Vega said. “Once I saw how life was and how [my twin] enjoyed it, I decided to tip my toes, and I’m very happy I did.”
