Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadya Enamorado-Forjan, PhD.
Hi Nadya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am the proud daughter of Cuban immigrants born in Miami and the first to attend college. My grandparents immigrated to the United States without knowledge of the English language, but with a dream to provide an even better future for their family. I pursued that dream by earning a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Barry University, the highest level of academic qualification a student can achieve in higher education. I am also a mother of two, a wife, and a university professor. My professional story began when I started volunteering in the community. I had been accepted into the National Honor Society Club, and they were looking to provide some community support. They decided to recruit some students to tutor at an elementary school. I signed up and enjoyed the experience so much that I decided that was the career path I wanted to explore. A career where I could help make a difference in children’s lives. During my last year of high school, I completed my volunteer hours with the NHS club and met my husband. After two years, we married and moved to California, where I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and Psychology at the University of California Irvine while my husband pursued his career in the United States Marine Corps.
During my undergraduate years in California, I began an internship as a second-grade elementary school teacher, which confirmed my interest in pursuing a degree in teaching. Little did I know that position would be the beginning of a lifelong career in education that I continue to love today. Upon my return to Miami four years later, I was excited to continue teaching in the community that provided the foundation for the person I had become. Not only did I return to my hometown, but I also landed a permanent teaching position, and I continued my studies at Florida International University, where I received my Master of Science in Education.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been easy. I sacrificed a lot of family time to achieve my dream. My husband and children have been the source of inspiration to keep going. At one point, I was working full-time, driving to my evening classes that were about an hour away, and arriving at the end of the day when my children were already asleep. There were days that I felt frustrated and questioned whether this was the right path for me. However, the endless support from my family and friends kept me going. I realized that if I didn’t take care of myself, the goal I was trying to reach would come to a fruitless achievement. Despite the hardships during those seven years, nothing was more rewarding than achieving that goal with hard work and determination. Life will give you lemons, and how you make that lemonade is what will make you thrive.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently an Adjunct Faculty Professor at Broward College. I have participated in several local conferences with my research, published articles on several parenting magazines, and advocated for different educational programs. It is a privilege and an honor to teach future educators. I always enjoy hearing about their successes after they’ve completed my course and graduated. After ten years of teaching in Miami Dade County Public Schools, my family and I moved to Germany to support my husband’s career. We lived there for eight years and were amazed by the opportunity to learn new languages and understand so many cultures. As a schoolteacher and a university professor, being around students from different walks of life exposed me to different cultures and introduced me to new learning styles. These travels also shaped a world view for our children that encouraged their self-esteem and confidence. Today, I continuously try to shape my students’ perspective as a mentor every time I step into the classroom.
I have always tried to portray strong qualities of a role model for my students throughout my teaching career. I also provide positive feedback and mentoring. Studies have shown that students who have a mentor who encourages them to pursue their goals and career are more likely to be engaged in their work after college. They appreciate the support and understanding, especially during this unfortunate pandemic. Many of my current students are recent high school graduates who need guidance navigating the higher education world. As a professor, I strive to nurture and encourage those college students’ curiosity about teaching and learning while making education viable to help future educators achieve success.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Several topics come to mind, such as my children, family, friends, and career. Yet, it is also important to give back to your community. Not only has it been an opportunity for me to grow, but it has helped me make sense of how I fit in the world around me. As a result, I started my little corner on Instagram called Homeliving Journal. A platform that allows me to share the experiences of being a wife, mom, and educator with the world. Parenting today is complex, from finding a good childcare center to preparing your teenager for college. As an educator and mother, I share my tips on many issues and challenges to help. I have enjoyed connecting with several influencers and new moms learning to cope with parenting and schooling. It is challenging today to balance family life, motherhood, and a career, but I am here to share my story and make a difference in any way I can.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @homeliving_journal
