As Veterans Day approaches, Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) honors those who served their country and now dedicate themselves to serving future generations. At Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary (FMSE), Sunshine Ortiz is one of the many veterans who continue to make a difference in their communities through education. After serving five years in the United States Air Force, Ortiz now teaches kindergarten, helping shape the lives of her youngest students.
“I decided to branch out a little bit. I wanted to travel the world and serve my country,” Ortiz said when asked why she chose to serve.
Ortiz credits her military service with developing skills that continue to benefit her in the classroom. “Some of the skills that I’ve learned while I was in the military were definitely management, which really helps in the classroom with classroom management, and also just being very organized.” She also draws on the administrative skills she gained during her service to help keep her classroom organized and running smoothly.
Today, Ortiz shares a piece of her military experience with her students by bringing in film photographs from her time in the Air Force. The photos give her kindergarteners a glimpse into a chapter of her life before she became their teacher.
“I try to let them pick me out in the pictures. That’s kind of always funny because I do not look the same as when I did back then,” Ortiz said.
Through these photos and stories, Ortiz gives her students a personal connection to military service, helping them learn about the people behind the uniform. Her journey from serving her country to teaching its youngest learners is a reminder that the dedication, discipline, and commitment developed through military service can continue making a lasting impact long after the uniform is put away.