Tanya Marroquin, M.Ed

At the age of 22, I became a mom. This is the most important job I ever or will have. I have learned so many things as a mother. My son was diagnosed with Asperger's at the age of five. Raising a child on the spectrum has taught me to be patient, accept others, and understand human reactions. Something as simple as compromising and listening to his needs could turn a difficult situation into a learning experience. At 31 I had a second child. He is now a 12-year-old transgender child. I also have three wonderful step-children and one beautiful (step) granddaughter. Raising five (three part-time) children has had its ups and downs but has made me stronger than I ever thought I could be. I will fight for my children and their future. I want my children to feel accepted and live in a community where the LGBTQ+ sticker on my car does not prompt someone to vandalize it because they don’t agree with my views (this happened here in New Braunfels). 

 There was a time when I did not think I could go to a four-year university. Not because I was not smart enough, but because it was not something that my family did. I became the first person in my family to receive a bachelors. I went on to receive my Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Science Education. I am now finishing up my Doctorate of Education. I love learning and doing research. There is always something to learn, whether it is from a book or life. The pursuit of truth and understanding makes me a lifelong learner.