Carmen Viliesid
I am from Long Beach, California, but in my growing-up years I also lived in Kansas, Washington state, and Nipomo, California. I was not always a dedicated student, but I have always loved reading stories and learning about the world around me through books. In many ways while growing up, reading saved me and provided me another world when I was feeling down.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to share stories with my students. I believe that it is through stories—the stories we tell others, the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves, and the infinite stories out there to read and to view through film—that we can learn empathy and truly make positive change in the world and for ourselves.
My B.A. in English and M.F.A. in Creative Writing are both from CSULB. I also attended Long Beach Community College & Rio Hondo Community College—for quite a bit of years! But when I finally had a solid goal, I was able to focus in and complete my schooling.
My mom raised me and my older brother and taught us the value of working hard and being self-sufficient. I missed the presence of my father and younger brother for most of my younger life here in the U.S. as they lived far away in Arizona, Mexico City, Bucerias, or Queretaro, but I cherish the relationship we formed in my adult years.
Students: Life is truly short! And yet, here you are with your life before you, ready to blossom and mold your path into infinite shapes. I value the opportunity to share with you how important your story is. Let’s write it down.