Monique Michel
Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo/Caldwell Fine Arts
Caldwell, ID USA
"Being open-minded has helped me grow and be proactive rather than reactive."
Career Roadmap
Monique's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Sacred Heart of Mary High School
Bachelor's Degree
Psychology, General
California State University, Long Beach
Doctorate
Certification
Vocational
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Dance Instructor/Studio Owner & Education Director:
Bachelor's Degree: Education, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Graduated high school. Went away to college and lived on my own for the first time in my life. Away from my super strict Catholic Mexican family....time to PARTY!
2.
Took a break from college and began working full time to see what that felt like. Made good money and got my own apartment. Started to feel like a real "adult" against the wishes of my parents.
3.
Went back to college and eventually graduated after 6 long years. Took a trip to Idaho with my then boyfriend and his family. Got a job on accident while on vacation. Now I needed to decide.
4.
I marry my boyfriend of 3 years and we move to Idaho after both being born and raised in Los Angeles. I have my degree so I get a good job. We got a duplex. It was so cute and life was so fun.
5.
My husband starts drinking heavily and life isn't so fun anymore. I have my first daughter. I'm a mom and take up my dancing to make some money while raising my baby. Second baby born 4 years later.
6.
Husband drinking heavily off and on. Marital problems becoming bigger and more serious. I have 2 kids and a studio to manage. I work in the schools teaching ESL students. I love it. I miss my husband
7.
Kids are growing up. I still have my dancing and it's seen me through dark times. Husband has a nervous breakdown from being a cop. Life changes DRASTICALLY. I have many part time jobs for income.
8.
Husband and I separate after 25 years together. He hates my dancing and my studio. I have good job at the college. Caring for my kids on my own. Faith sustains me. Dance family is incredible support.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
That dancing isn't a "real" job.. Owning a studio is nothing more than a hobby and it'll never bring in any "real" money...That real people have real jobs..People only take dance to "have fun" and it's not meant to be a way to make a living.
How I responded:
I've learned to be proud of who I am. I began to look deeply at culture and my heritage and recognize it as something beautiful and positive and worthy of expression and worthy of being shared. I've been a teacher for many years and I've learned that you're a perpetual student whether you realize it or not. Everyone loves culture, but not many know the WHY behind the cultural experiences they enjoy. Our dancing is generational and passed down from one to another. Technology can't replace it!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I knew my parents were proud of me, but I didn't realize what it felt like to be the first one in my family to go to college. I just knew that this was something I wanted for myself.
Not having people who support you or in your own corner has been the hardest part of my journey. My family and friends have shared how proud they are of me, but when my own husband (at the time) wasn't supportive of me, it hurt me the worst.