Nearing its 10^th anniversary, the Bilingual Student Education Organization (BESO) is calling all bilingual education students to join the professional network.

In fact, BESO President Paloma Esparza-Guerra looks forward to providing support for future educators to thrive at UHD. “BESO offers students the opportunity to create a living-learning community where you belong and become engaged students with strong leadership skills,” Esparza-Guerra said.

BESO was established in 2013 by retired UHD Associate Professor of Urban Education Maria Bhattacharjee to support bilingual educators in their professional development, community service, and continuing education. Starting with only a few members, the organization now comprises more than 80 aspiring educators dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. 

According to Esparza-Guerra, “BESO fosters close relationships among students while providing support and a sense of community, which in turn prompts kindness and patience—the roots of education.”

Emily Villarreal Islas, BESO’s social media marketer, had much to say about the organization’s positive influence on her life. “Discovering BESO was a huge win for me,” Villareal Islas said. “The teaching field is not a walk in the park, and BESO has been a huge support system for me.”

BESO hosts events with teachers in the field to educate members and provide insight in understanding the classroom environment. Members are granted access to scholarship opportunities to further their education.

To learn more, email BESO at uhdbeso@gmail.com, follow on Instagram @uhdbeso, or chat online.

This story is a partnership between UHD News and The Dateline.