¿Quién es Sr. DuBose?

I graduated from Robert E. Lee in 1995.  I graduated Cum Laude (3.51 GPA) from UT Tyler with a B.A. in Spanish in 2000.  During the years between high school and college graduation I:

Volunteered at Bell Elementary teaching students how to improve their reading.  I worked mostly with Hispanic children or underprivileged children that had no support at home.

Worked at SCCADA (formerly Smith County Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse) teaching substance abuse awareness and safety classes for elementary and middle school aged children. I gave presentation to schools in TISD, Chapel Hill ISD, Bullard ISD and Hawkins ISD.  I also helped facilitate the MIP and Tobacco Cessation classes.

I have traveled to Mexico on numerous occasions, by myself and with my wife.

I have translated legal documents for organizations in various fields, such as business (oil, staffing agencies), human services (SCCADA/probation), etc.

I am fluent in Spanish to the degree that I can read, write and communicate effectively.  I have a grasp on large amounts of street slang/lower Spanish, as well as scientific/literary terminology.

I recently had the opportunity to interpret in court (not court certified...yet) for TISD.

We speak Spanish in my home, and also attend church in the Spanish only services.

I completed the requirements for certification this summer (2003) and I am pleased to report I passed all 3 tests on the first attempt (Good to know, right?).  I am ecstatic to be able to say that I passed the oral proficiency exam with flying colors.

Of all the people that take the TOPT, I am told that only something like 30% pass.  The highest you can make on the TOPT is an 8+, and that is exactly what I received..