Bizarre food? She jumps at any opportunity to try it! Not only is she adventurous when it comes to trying new foods, she’s also keen on outdoor adventures. This long-time Aztec doesn’t mind driving off to new and unknown places, especially with her kids by her side. Read on to find out more about the interests of the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education coordinator, Esmeralda Cortes, on this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff!
1. A food avant-garde!
While she could eat sushi and French fries every day, she has always liked strange food. Even as a kid, she will try anything once and doesn’t say “no” to new food. But as far as beverages are concerned, she only drinks water, coffee, and sometimes tea.
2. Boy mama
Esmeralda is an only child but is now raising two little boys who are just over a year apart.
3. An adventurer who is not afraid to get a little lost!
She loves to take random drives and see where the road takes her and her kids. They love to explore new places, especially where they can hike and be outdoors.
4. A lover of photography, albeit with bribes for her kids handy
While exploring, she also enjoys taking pictures of the beautiful scenery and of her boys. Although her kids hate taking pictures, a good bribe with ice cream seems to do the trick. If they let her take good pictures, it could mean a trip to Target!
5. Born with a creative bone!
She’s a lefty but can do a lot with her right hand. She also really enjoys graphic designs and likes to create party invites for family and friends during her free time.
6. Rock Church Volunteer
Esmeralda loves to volunteer and used to do so with the Women’s Resource Center in Oceanside and currently at the Rock Church with 2- and 3-year olds.
7. She’s a long-time Aztec!
She has worked at SDSU since 2009. She started working at the university as a student assistant, then worked with grants after her graduation. Eventually, she was hired on full-time.
How Esmeralda is making a difference in the College of Education:
“I am an SDSU Alumni, a mother of two wonderful boys, a lover of education, and of equality. I try to live by the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” I believe we can make a difference. Maybe we can't change the world but we can change someone's life.”