Melinda Gonzalez

I was born and raised in Pasadena, California, home of the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade. I come from a family of seven consisting of my parents, older sister, myself and my younger triplet brothers. Before my time, my family began a tradition of vacationing in San Diego each summer which still continues till this day. San Diego has always been a second home to me since I was an infant (2 months old to be exact) and while growing up I knew that one day I would call it home. My dream became a reality senior year of high school when all my college acceptance letters arrived and I didn’t even have to think twice when I said yes to San Diego State.

I graduated from San Diego State in 2011 as a Presidential Scholar with my Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development with an emphasis in Family Development. What started as a need for a job turned into the realization of where my heart truly was and that was making a difference in the lives of young children. I believe that what I do isn’t just work because how could it be considered work if I am having so much fun each day when I am with the children. I began working at the SDSU Children’s Center while I was still a student and it was through the support, guidance and mentoring of the centers great team of teachers that I have become the teacher I am today. I know my role is teacher but at the end of each day the children have taught me just as much as I’ve taught them if not more.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling (especially if it involves flying!), I love reading, being outdoors, going to the beach, the movies, discovering new places, as well as cooking and baking. I look forward to building new relationships and exploring new discoveries throughout the year. I am glad to be back where it all began and I look forward to what this new journey has in store for me.