This week we caught up with Rylee Theodore, who is pursuing a Masters of Education and a Single Subject Credential in the Social Sciences in the Teacher Education Program. Theodore completed her undergrad at California State University, Chico in 2015 where she studied Business Administration with a focus in Human Resource Management and a minor in Ethics, Justice and Policy. After graduating, she eventually found herself working in HR at Facebook in Silicon Valley. "It was an awesome opportunity and an experience I am so grateful for, but I realized I was not passionate about my work," she says. "I am passionate about history, government, and education. Ultimately, I decided passion was way more important. So, I quit Facebook, went to Europe for two weeks with my brother, and moved here to Santa Barbara to start the TEP program." (Note this 5?s format is taken from one of the School's internal communications, and is meant to help the Gevirtz community get to know itself better.)
GGSE: Who do you most admire (living or dead)?
Theodore: This is always such a tricky question for me. As cliché as it sounds, though, I have to go always go with my parents – they’re the best! Also, as a current government teacher, I have to give a shout out to the powerhouse women of Washington.
GGSE: What is your favorite place in Santa Barbara?
Theodore: My favorite place in Santa Barbara currently is up along East Camino Cielo Road. When I need a break from my hectic schedule of school and more school, I hop in my car and take a drive. It gives me a bird’s eye view of the place I am lucky enough to live.
GGSE: When (besides now) would you like to live?
Theodore: I would have loved to be the age I am now in the 1970s. Our world witnessed so much change in this decade both politically and culturally and it would have been amazing to be a part of. And who can forget about the music?!
GGSE: Where (besides Santa Barbara) would you want to live if money/job were not an issue?
Theodore: I was fortunate enough to study abroad in London during undergrad, and so if money, job, and a visa weren’t an issue, then I would love a flat with a nice outdoor garden space in the heart of the city. I love the arts and culture, all of the hubbub, and the parks are amazing! People always think the food is terrible, but that is a lie and I would do anything right now to go to my favorite restaurants.
GGSE: Why do you do the job you do?
Theodore: I am currently teaching 12th grade Government and Economics at San Marcos High School and I do the job that I do because I want to inspire civic literacy and self-advocacy. I want my students to walk out of my classroom feeling they have the ability to understand and make a difference in this crazy world we live in.