Episode 39: “Living in Gratitude with Maleah Diaz” Music by Todd Lowrey

In this episode, we are talking with with Maleah Diaz, a junior at the University of New Mexico, studying under the Jennifer Riordan Presidential Scholarship and pursuing a degree in Secondary Education with a focus in English language arts. After graduation, Maleah hopes to teach internationally and pursue her Masters degree.

Born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico, Maleah graduated valedictorian of her class from Silver High School and participated in multiple extra curriculars including Volleyball, Basketball, Powerlifting, National Honors Society, National History Day, and Key Club.

Currently she is working at the university gym while playing on an intramural volleyball team with her coworkers. Maleah has made the Dean's List each semester while at UNM and her writing has been published in the 2022-2023 edition of the Elevations textbook from the UNM Department of English.

During the Summer of 2024, she studied abroad in Italy and this summer she has been accepted to an international teaching apprenticeship in Cordóba, Spain. Maleah also enjoys playing piano, dancing, binge watching her favorite shows, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

In this uplifting episode, Maleah shares insights into how taking time to reflect on what she is grateful for brings her happiness as well as thoughts on her enriching experience with the Jennifer Riordan Foundation, and how she plans to bring kindness, empathy, and inclusion to her future work in education.