
KSOE Alumni Spotlight - Angelica Lara
Upon completing my undergraduate studies at the Kalmanovitz School of Education in 2020, I was profoundly satisfied with my experience at Saint Mary's College (SMC). This satisfaction affirmed that selecting SMC for my undergraduate education was an excellent decision. As I embarked on the pursuit of graduate programs, I found that returning to Saint Mary's College and the Kalmanovitz School of Education (KSOE) for my graduate studies was highly appropriate. The program's structure, timeline, and curriculum were particularly aligned with my professional goals and personal values, making it an ideal choice for furthering my education.
Over the duration of this program, particularly throughout the first six months of the program, I encountered instances where doubts and fears emerged, challenging my belief in my ability to successfully complete the program. I am profoundly grateful for the encouragement I received by faculty and staff, which guided me in making what I believe was the best decision possible. The supportive nature at SMC has been a pivotal factor contributing to my success in the Master's of Leadership program.
As a graduate student, it was imperative for me to integrate this program into my existing commitments effectively. To assess my ability to manage this, I revisited a foundational assignment from the Bachelor’s in Leadership and Organizational Studies (BALOS) Program at Saint Mary’s College. At the onset of the BALOS program, our Weaver, introduced us to a time management tool designed to quantify the necessary time commitment for our academic obligations.
Recognizing the structural similarities between the BALOS program and my current Graduate program, I replicated the time management exercise as a strategy to map out commitments and time constraints. Additionally, I engaged in lengthy discussions with my family and my employer to secure their support, which was crucial for prioritizing my academic pursuits. A classmate in the Graduate program recommended taking the Friday before and the Monday after Executive Weekends, off from work. I took her advice and it made a tremendous improvement in my wellbeing and productivity. This approach ensured that I could allocate adequate time and resources to my studies while maintaining balance in my personal and professional life.
Throughout this program, I've become more conscious of how I allocate my time and energy, choosing to distance myself from activities and people that don't benefit me, while focusing on those that enrich my life. My life as an educator has been greatly influenced by learning at Saint Mary's College and by my growth as a leader within my family.
Outside of my studies, I serve as President of my youngest daughter's high school's Parent Teacher Student Association and as a parent representative on both the School Climate Committee and School Site Council. Additionally, I coach her high school volleyball team and assist my husband with coaching her high school soccer team. My involvement in my daughter's school keeps me connected to our community. I also work in the School District she attends school but it is my connection to the campus as a parent that sparks a greater sense of community.
Our family is deeply involved with LaMorinda Soccer Club, where my daughter plays competitively. While at practices, I cherish spending one-on-one time with my older daughter, often exploring TJ Maxx or enjoying treats at the Fourth Bore. As a mother and an educator, I believe there is no greater learning than the learning conducted within your home. Having this time with her allows us to converse deeply and open up to one another in ways I could not have imagined. Communication is a wonderful tool and I am beyond grateful that we have been able to practice it so effectively.
Our oldest child, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, is stationed in Twentynine Palms, just an eight-hour drive away. We visit him monthly, relishing family time together. His commitment to serving his country is commendable and we are incredibly grateful for his sacrifice.
My husband and I operate a small business called The Tipsy Third Wheel, where we enjoy creating beverage recipes and designing mobile beverage services. This has been a passion project for us and collaborating with him has been a delightful experience and wonderful practice of interdependence. This venture has also allowed us to maintain a connection to family and community as most of our business comes by way of family referrals and word of mouth, and our children work alongside us.
We have recently been informed that we have a grandchild on the way! We are so eager to embrace more family time. It would seem that my learning journey is just getting started and I will have the opportunity to take on a new approach to leading a family as a grandmother. I am graduating from my view in the front row as my children move out from the wings and take center stage. I will have an enhanced balcony view of all the magic in store for us as grandparents and leaders.