YMLA has a new face in the art room, Ms. Bean. With a background in studio art and a genuine love for creativity, she’s already making an impact on students and the campus. We got the chance to talk to Ms. Bean and learn more about her background, her road into teaching, and what she hopes to bring to YMLA.

“I grew up in Houston and I went to college at Texas State University and I have a degree in studio art which basically means making art and making all kinds of things. And then what else I lived in San Marcus Texas for a while and then I moved to California when I was in California for a while. And then I’ve been here for the last 11 years.” Ms. Bean didn’t get to take art until late in high school but once she did, she was hooked. “I always wanted to take art and I didn’t get to take art until my senior year in high school. And then when I got to take it I got second place in the livestock show and rodeo. And I just wanted to keep doing it. I went to college for that.”

Her decision to come to YMLA was influenced by the school’s strong reputation. “So everyone knows, the school’s really really good. And so I didn’t even know that it was an option. And then when I found out I had an interview I was really excited and I wanted to make sure I got here too.” Since joining YMLA, Ms. Bean says her experience has been overwhelmingly positive. “I love it. The kids are really sweet. All the teachers are like super nice. They’re all really good at what they do.” She says this makes her inspired to become as skilled and knowledgeable as the rest of the Dream Team.

She’s already setting goals for herself and for her students with a focus on more participation in art competitions. “I want to do more art competitions with students and this year I don’t know how many I’m gonna get to do but my goal is to do like one extra every year so we just start doing those all the time. So people can have opportunities to win money or like prizes.” One of her favorite parts of the job so far is simply connecting with the students. “It’s just getting to know the kids. The sixth graders are really sweet and the seventh graders they’re like really good art from last year. And so I just like spending time with them and getting to know them each day.”

Ms. Bean says art is a powerful tool because it gives everyone the freedom to create anything they can imagine, and she hopes to bring that wonder to YMLA. We are lucky to have her.