My name is Dr. B. Saenz (pronounced signs). I joined the CHE team January 2011 and in my current position I teach, oversee
CHE’s technology, research and program assessment needs. My
personal story began in El Paso, TX where I was born and have lots of family. My immediate
family later moved to Tucson, AZ where I completed my K-12 education.
My academic journey as a first generation college student began at Pima Community College (PCC). After earning two degrees from PCC, I later made my way to to the state of Virginia
where I completed a B.A. degree in Human Services from The George Washington University. My academic journey did not stop at GW, because I love learning so much I went on to earned a Masters and PhD from Virginia Tech located in the town of Blacksburg, VA.
Consequently, I've worked in several capacities as a youth counselor,
trainer, computer tech support, instructional designer, and as a
faculty member. I enjoy listening to people’s stories, mentoring and
empowering others to rise to their potential, while providing the
necessary academic support and services. Part of my continual learning is interacting with students, I learn so much from each different generation.
When I can find the time I love traveling, walking, hiking, and biking. I have traveled 47 of the 50 states, I only need North Dakota, Hawaii, and Alaska! I have also traveled to Canada and Europe.
I recently read a sticker that said, "The meaning of life is to LIVE IT!
This is a interesting blog about yourself. I noticed that you studied K-12 Education, this is a career that interest me. Its interesting that you have traveled to a lot of places and it says that you went to Canada and Europe I would like to know more about, what you thought about this two interesting places.
ReplyDeleteCassandra, I taught K-12 preservice teachers and have done training with faculty/saff at all of the universities that I attended. The next time I see you I would love to share some of travel experiences with you.
DeleteThis a wonderful blog about yourself. It just so happens that the state you haven't gone to is the one I live in! Hawai'i is a beautiful place and I would love to be a tour guide for you so that your stay in Hawai'i will be memorable.
ReplyDeleteAbby, awesome that you are from Hawai'i! My goal for visiting your beautiful state is 2016, I've asked my nephews/nieces to save their money to go along. I can't wait to see the beautiful islands and mingle with the beautiful people.
DeleteThis is an amazing blog about yourself and the your experiences. Your inspiring person that I have a privilege to meet in my freshman year because I though I had to do everything on my own but when I told you my story I know that their were people out their that care about your future and your career and that you just have to ask for help. So talking to you Dr.Saenz has help me feel more construable around campus and I can just talk to you about my day and you know Spanish so is a little more helpful because I like to talk more in Spanish. You’re an awesome person and thank you for helping me this couple of weeks in college when I was stressing out.
ReplyDeleteSandra, thank you for your posts, I hope as the semester progresses that your support network will widen as there are a lot of folks on campus that really want to support your success. I see the potential in students before they see it in themselves, so keep believing in your potential. Keep trying and never give up on your dreams!
DeleteThis a really interesting blog about your life journey. I find it incredible that you have been to 47 of all 50 states, so far I have only visited 3. I hope to travel to many places in the future like you have. I really like the quote you provided. "The meaning of life is to live it."
ReplyDeleteDiana, I find it hard to believe that I have traveled 47 states. I was born in Texas, grew up in Arizona, than lived in Virginia for 16 years which allowed me the opportunity to visit the eastern states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Rhode Island as well as North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and West Virginia. Than one year my brother and I drove from Virginia to Texas where we went through the states of Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana,
DeleteLater when I came to Colorado and got into cycling I traveled through New Mexico, Montana, South Dakota, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, California, Oregon, Washington, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma, Iowa, Minnesota, Vermont, Maine, Wisconsin, and Florida. There is nothing like being out in the open highways and seeing new sites!
Awesome blog and introduction. You're a very interesting person Dr. Saenz. I'm glad you're one of the CHE teachers here at UNC and that you can share your experiences with us. LIVE IT!
ReplyDeleteGracias Juan, I look forward to continue to get to know you better as I know you also have an interesting story to tell about your self. Let me know if I can be of any help during your academic journey.
DeleteThis is a lovely introduction, one day I hope to be as well traveled as you are. I’ve only been to four of the 50 states. I too enjoy listening to stories from those who’ve accomplished great things much like yourself because they’re inspiring and motivating, in the near distance future I want to be able to provide this sort of inspiration to others.
ReplyDeleteJayme, awesome that you have traveled, what states have you visited? You are well on your way to being an inspiriation to others, your story continues to grow each time you step out of your comfort zone. The fact that you are in college is a great accomplishment as not everyone is privilege to make it this far. Whatever you do in life, never give up! Find your voice, tell your story.
DeleteI think it is awesome you have traveled to so many states! When you travel to Hawaii you will love it. I went to Kauai, Hawaii and it was one of the most serene life changing things to take place. I never wanted to come back once I stepped foot on the island. I hope to one day to be as wise as you are and to be able to help so many people as you. You are an awesome Professor and want to thank you for teaching me all you have so far!
ReplyDeleteKaylie, thank you for sharing your thoughts, I'm glad you have had the opportunity to travel to such a beautiful state. My goal is to travel to Hawaii in 2016 so I can't wait to make it happen. Wisdom comes with experiences (good and bad) and learning from our mistakes, never give-up when the going gets rough. Life is always going to have its good and bad moments; the goal is to ride out the bad in order to enjoy the good!
DeleteYou’re truly an inspiration Dr. Saenz! From the degrees you’ve earned to the masters and PHD you’ve received. I don’t think I’d be able to stay in school that long and you impress me that you have. I also noticed you’re from El Paso, TX which is cool because I have family from San Antonio, TX. You’ve also been to 47 out of the 50 states which is awesome to me and I hope I’ll be able to at least visit half of that!
ReplyDeleteLorenzo, thanks for your posting to my blog. I'm outlier, because I love learning so much I found it rewarding to attend school. As human beings we have so much potential, embrace challenges when they come along because that is also when learning takes place. Once you are a professional I hope you will make time to travel and discover other cultures and places. Glad to have you in my class!
DeleteIt was wonderful getting to know you through your introduction! I think that is incredibly that you've traveled to 47 out of 50 states. Where as I've only been to Minnesota, California and Vietnam. I hope I get to travel all around the world one day! Dr. B it was great getting to know you and all you have done for others!
ReplyDeleteTiffanie, you have a good travel start! By any chance did you get to go to the Spam Museum in Minnesota? Check it out online at:
Deletehttp://www.spam.com/spam-101/the-spam-museum
It is good to have you in my class, I look forward to getting to know you better!
Wow, that's amazing! I think it's cool that you have been to that many states because I have only been to about five. It's good to know that you enjoy listening to other people's stories. Thank you for sharing that with me Dr. Saenz. My only question is, which state did you like the most?
ReplyDeleteDerek, I know we chatted about my favorite state being Vermont which I hope to go back and visit again. This state borders Montreal, Canada. One can hear the Canadian accent from some the folks who live near the border. It's pretty cool!
DeleteDear Dr. Saenz,
ReplyDeleteI find it pretty fascinating that you love mentoring and being a big support for students. I hope someday soon I can do something like that too. I know how important it is to some students just to have a role model to look up to. You can never stop learning.
Marissa Miknevicius
Hi Marissa, thanks for posting on my blog! I have no doubt that if you put your mind to it you too will become a good mentor. Totally true, you can never stop learning, unless you are unwilling to do so. In fact I just read this quote today: "If you are not willing to learn no one can help you. If you are determined to learn on one can stop you." ~purehappylife.com. I look forward to getting to know you better.
ReplyDelete