Author’s Spotlight
Friday, February 21
Week 18
“Your Journey Awaits” turns the Spotlight on Educator and Multi-Award Winning Author, Dr. Angela Arias, Ed.D.
Let’s get to know a little bit more about her, shall we?
A Short Bio:
Dr. Angela Arias arrived in New York City at the age of ten with her three younger siblings after a few years of separation from her parents who came from the Dominican Republic in search of better opportunities.
She is a graduate of New York City Public Schools and attended the prestigious Wellesley College on a scholarship.
Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree, she attended the State University of New York at Buffalo where she received a master’s degree.
Dr. Arias obtained her doctorate in Education from Walden University. She worked as a high school educator for 34 years. As an educator, she taught English as a New Language to newly arrived immigrants and Advanced Placement Spanish. She also was an administrator, grants writer and coordinator, district documents translator, mentor for new educators, department chairperson, and student mentor.
She retired from teaching in 2020 but continues to mentor college and doctoral students to assist in their educational, career, and personal development.
During the pandemic, she moved upstate New York to be close to her daughter, Elena.
In 2024, she published her first memoir, “Half a Century Ago,” and also became a grandmother. Dr. Arias enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and being close to nature.
Angela’s thoughts about writing and her words of inspiration:
“Reading has always been embedded in my essence. It provides a safe space where the imagination flies away to both familiar and uncharted territory.
“Reading is often followed by a moment when I transcribe my thoughts and process what has been created in my imagination.
“During three decades of teaching, I provided the space and time for students to read and write. We read together, we wrote together, we processed our world together, and we shared our thoughts.
“I encouraged my students to practice journaling, and I often shared some of my journal entries with them. Writing, I often said, is a way to overcome any issues, and to document one’s state of mind in real time.
“I wrote and published my first memoir followed by my students' encouragement. Someday, I hope to read some of their stories as they publish as well.”
A short summary of her heart touching memoir:
“Half A Century Ago” offers a vivid recollection of memories about coming of age in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970’s.
During that decade, the Bronx was facing a period of devastation due to the constant building fires and street violence.
This engaging story is an empowering read about how family love provided the foundation to overcome the challenges faced by language, cultural barriers, poverty, and social inequities while remaining steadfastly focused on positive outcomes.
Dr. Arias told these stories to her students over the years in the classroom. She now wishes to share those tales to a larger audience of young immigrants and disenfranchised youth who struggle to overcome adversity and hope for a brighter future.
Her memoir is available at Amazon and all major online distributors. The links are listed below:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9798889822608
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Reader’s House:
https://readerhouse.com/product/half-a-century-ago/
Barnes and Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/?ean=9798889822592
Apple Books:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9798889822608
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9798889822608&c=books
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I've personally read Angela’s memoir and can’t say enough about it. It's captivating and vividly told. It continues to stay in my heart and mind, and it is one of my favorite books. It made my top five picks, easily receiving five stars. It's definitely a memoir that will touch your heart. I highly recommend checking it out!
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Here are the links to follow her journey and upcoming books!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/angelaarias646/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093431948771
Substack:
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Please feel free to reach out to Dr Arias, as she looks forward to connecting with you!
Once again, thank you, Angela, for sharing your passion with us! I wish you the best and continued success in the days ahead!
Please hit the share button as we look to promote all those who affect the literary world in such a positive way.
Sincerely,
Donald T. Hardison, II
Award-Winning Author of “One Man’s Journey: The Untold Story Of The Quest For Truth”
Thank you for writing about and uplifting this author. It's so wonderful to learn more about her. She has been an incredible support in my work as an author too.