Today we’d like to introduce you to Bea Ortiz-Amador.
Bea, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story begins with the strength and courage of a “mestiza.” A long time ago, my beautiful mother was raised by my single grandmother. At a young age of 14, my mother was known as “El Hombre Aparecido.” In Mexico, women were not allowed to wear pants and ride horses. My hazel-eyed and blond-haired mother did both things. She stood out, but it was not her fault.
A young man, seven years her senior robbed my mother that evening. It was a horrible tradition, in which it demonstrated to other men “No one else could have her.” She became a woman at that tender age and had her first child. My mother never had siblings of her own, so having 10 children was an unexplainable joy.
As an immigrant from Mexico and very limited in English, my mother did her best to raise us mostly on her own. She had to be tough on us, yet gentle when it was necessary. She found odd little jobs like “tamalera,” helping package non-perishable goods… to sustain her 10 children. I like my mother stood out among my siblings. To this day, they call me “Guera.’ I was the middle child. My model was five brothers, so playing marbles, sports and climbing trees became second nature to me. I had to wear the hand-me-down clothes from my brothers. I became a very independent ” tomboy.”
My mother’s teaching skills and encouragement helped me throughout my educational career. At a very early age, we were all expected to work hard and do well at school. I started school not knowing the English language. My creative mother who had only a third-grade education taught me how to read in Spanish, She used comic books and chants to inspire and motivate me to read. I was then able to transfer these skills into English. Who knew that one day, I would remember those skills and modify them for a Reading Program.
This brave and wonderful mother became my strength and model throughout my life struggles. I have always had a passion for learning and exceeding in school. I was seen as a “book worm,’ carrying my books wherever I went. I would stay home and study, instead of going on family vacations. My mother always inspired me to be someone better, I could do it! I graduated with honors from high school. I remember clearly, my college counselor who told me to change my major. “You are a woman, a Latina trying to get a business degree. You won’t make it.” I was determined to prove him wrong, I was constantly on the Dean’s List for Excellence in Academics in college until I transferred to SDSU.
It would take me three hours to reach San Diego State University when I didn’t have a car. I would have to take the trolley and several buses from San Ysidro, my home town. I had some unusual part-time jobs to pay for school. At times, the money I had was barely enough for milk and cookies. I had to study many hours, miss many family functions and didn’t enjoy my young life. There was a time when I wanted to quit school, but my mother encouraged me to move forward that I would make it. The day came, when I graduated with honors with a BS in Business Administration, emphasis in Information Systems. Where was that college counselor now? It was a proud moment for my family, especially my mother.
I worked in the business for many years since the early age of 12. I was trained to do accounting. Business was not a fulfilling job, I desired to help people. My mother’s passion of teaching entered my heart. I returned to school and received my Multi-Subject Teaching Credential, emphasis in Spanish and continued into a Master’s Degree from National University (MS in Curriculum Instruction and Leadership). I found a job right away, the need for Bilingual Teachers was crucial at that time.
By then, I was married and with a modest home. Our lives were shaken again when our 3rd brother passed away and my mother lost her home once again. I couldn’t believe the will power and encouragement of my mother. She never shed a tear, my silent and humble mother needed to be strong for everyone else. God I know has a way of encouraging people in sad times. I was able to convince my mother to live with us when she heard I was expecting a baby. My two children’s lives were complete with their nana by their side. We had a blessed life for 15 years with her until my mother decided she wanted her own little home. By that time, I had accomplished many titles, special awards and accomplishments as a head Bilingual Teacher, Consultant and Mentor.
God has a way of testing us, your purpose in life is sometimes somewhere else. For two years, I went through very severe deep depression when my mother passed away. She had always been my rock and encourager. “You can do it, find a way!” Instead, there was an empty and dark hole in my heart. Those two years are vague to me and I only remember bits and pieces of it. To try and overcome my depression, I started volunteering at church and private schools. My passion for teaching and helping others came back while helping a little preschool and teaching homeless children.
In ONE week, I just couldn’t put my pencil down, just like right now while writing “My Story.” I needed time to collect my thoughts, remember the skills and strategies I implemented those 27 years in public schools. The games, the chants, the songs I made up to reach “all level of learners.’ My mother had taught me to read in a “fun way.” Remembering all this, I created a Reading Program in English and Spanish for children with learning difficulties. I have modified the program into a Home School Program and now I am working on translating my books into other languages. My daughter told me, “You always had that program in you. You just needed some time.”
While teaching Bible Studies, I was motivated once again. Another door was about to open up, my battle with pain after four surgeries would be changed. I occasionally had little gatherings at my home to motivate the ladies in my bible studies, to help them forget their struggles in life. One sweet lady would always would always bring me 5-6 gallons of water to my home. I was thrilled, no need to worry about drinks. During the process, I started feeling better and I had more energy. I never associated this with the water. I thought my life was wonderful already, my creative spirit was back in my life. At the time, I was battling pain for years but I had learned to live with it.
One thing I have learned through all this process, God never leaves you. God opens many doors in your lifetime. He gave you special gifts and a purpose in life. Go through those doors and pray for guidance. I am fortunate to share that now, I am able to control the pain without medication. I am fortunate to continue dancing which is one of my passions in life. I am able to travel and share my testimonial with others. My sadness lies on not knowing about this healthy water earlier in my life. I know my mother wouldn’t have suffered so much pain at the end of her life. She suffered enough pain in her lifetime. My mother lives in my heart encouraging and telling me to move forward:
“Copyright and share the Reading Program with others. You can make a difference in many people’s education.”
“Tell them that medication is not the only answer, they have a CHOICE.”
“Share that life is beautiful, materialistic things are meaningless without a healthy mind and body.”
“Always stay humble and never forget where you came from,”
Has it been a smooth road?
Educational Obstacles/ Challenges:
I believe my major educational obstacles and challenges are spreading the word that each individual person is able to succeed at their own level. Every individual has a different learning style and that needs to be emphasized when teaching new skills and strategies. An individual needs to be motivated and challenged every step of their educational goal. They need to know that everything is possible. Keeping a positive outlook on each gain, no matter how small it may be. Any person who makes decisions in educational issues needs to be aware that there is no such thing as using a single assessment to make critical decisions about education.
Some people do not do well in assessments and they need the opportunity to show their strengths and abilities using other formats like realia, using manipulatives or creating special projects. There is no perfect Reading Program. The Reading Program I created is changing and being modified based on the need of each new learner I encounter or the needs of teachers. I am constantly doing research and teach in different classroom settings to keep up to date with new strategies and techniques in education. I am always inspired and motivated to continue this never-ending project when a little one tells me, “When is my turn to work with you?” The little smiles and their joy of learning is so contagious, that keep my fire going.
Health Advocate Obstacles/ Challenges:
There are many obstacles and challenges one encounters as a Health Advocate, but I believe the major challenge is making people understand they have a choice in life. I try to share my own story of health and life changes to make an impression on them. I use several experiments which I explain as a teacher so that they could understand the benefits I am trying to share with them. I try to relate these experiments to their everyday life activities. We use personal testimonials to emphasize the power of these simple experiments. Unfortunately, skepticism takes over, when all they have to do is try something new. People need to understand they have a choice to better their lives and those of their friends and families. Our goal is just to spread this new information, everyone may attain a healthier mind, body, and finances.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Buzzin Bea. Org. LLC
There are many things that my company sets me apart from others. If you read “My Story,” you will understand my Reading Program was developed after two years of experiencing deep depression. According to my daughter, it was inside me all along. All I needed was some time to reflect and find my purpose in life. It came alive after helping people in a church, pre-school and homeless school settings. My love of education entered my heart when I understood my life still had meaning. I needed to create something that would help children and adults who were struggling in education. I had developed so much material and incorporated so many strategies and techniques over my 30 years in public, religious and private school settings. I wanted every child to succeed in my classroom, no one was left behind.
Keeping this in mind, I created books that are systematic and of high interest. I made certain the books were thematic and had different ability levels to reach all levels of learners. There are songs, chants, TPR strategies, realia and manipulatives incorporated in every lesson. I have also included ideas with field trips, art, science, social studies and math to ensure the program is fun and exciting. Soon, the technological component will be included to reach more people. I will actually have my research students in different video sessions, so teachers, parents, administrators… may see how to use the skills and strategies in my Reading Program.
I will also create videos giving advise to parents and teachers in different scenarios using my Home School Program. I would like to make the program interactive with my listeners. This technological component will take time, but there is so much need for it. These ideas stay fresh in my heart when I see the amount of children with learning disabilities keeps increasing in our schools. Time is precious to fulfill this passion but with God’s guidance, it will be done.
Kangen9_bea (Enagic Independent Distributor)
What can I say about this added venture in my life, but be grateful and be blessed every day. I never know what my day will look like, even if I plan it. Enagic is a company which has been in existence for 45 years in Japan. Our CEO, Mr. Ohshiro’s life mission is to promote a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy finances globally. Enagic is a compassionate business venture by trying to help people around the world. Mr. Ohshiro would like everyone to understand that anyone can reach these three things in life.
As a Bilingual Health Advocate, I am trying to promote Mr. Ohshiro’s vision through home demos, personal testimonials, business conferences, business trips and live demonstrations by sharing the benefits of Kangen Water and Ukon supplements. I am constantly researching and getting trained on the different uses and information on Enagic’s Products. As I go about my day, I encounter so many people that need to know about Enagic. I share my own personal story with them and emphasize my personal passion of Enagic and what it stands for. You have a choice in life, so go out there and capture it. Mr. Ohshiro’s motto is: Change Your Water, Change Your Life.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Our city is a fabulous place to start a new venture in any business. We are a huge melting pot of different nationalities and languages. We have everything so close to us; mountains, beaches, deserts, lakes… We have different activities and places to visit. What can we say of our weather but incredible and so blessed. There are a variety of foods to choose from and taste. You want to learn from different cultures and experience their customs, you can’t ask for a better place. We are so close to the Mexican border which opens more doors of business opportunities. As you can tell, I believe our city is an amazing place to open any type of business.
Contact Info:
- Address: Eastlake Country Club
2375 Clubhouse Dr.
Chula Vista, CA 91915 - Website: kangen9bea.kangendemo.com
- Phone: (619) 813-1981
- Email: kangen9_bea@yahoo.com ortizamador@sbcglobal.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kangen9_beaortiz
- Facebook: kangen9_bea
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kangen9B
- Other: Facebook: Bea Ortiz Amdor
Image Credit:
Frankie Ortiz
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