Member Profile: Sandra Lim
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A Lifelong Advocate for Education and Women’s Rights
Early Life and Education
Sandra was born in National City, a small town located eight miles north of the Mexican border and south of San Diego California. She grew up in San Diego for 11 years and then moved to Anaheim. She lived near Disneyland and later worked there. Her early education laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for learning and teaching.
Sandra pursed higher education with vigor, earning three degrees. She first attended San Jose State University, where she obtained her degree in English. Then she continued her academic journey at Santa Clara University, earning two master’s degrees: one in Counseling Psychology and an MBA in Business, showcasing her diverse interests and capabilities.
A Passion for Teaching
From a young age, Sandra knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her love for education was ignited in kindergarten, where she found the environment to be the most wonderful place in the world. This early experience solidified her desire to spend her life in education.
Sandra began her teaching career in elementary education, focusing on kindergarten and first grade, as well as special education. Despite the challenges and relatively low pay, she found immense satisfaction in working with young children. Her dedication to teaching was evident in her willingness to return to the profession after a brief stint in the corporate world.
A Brief Foray into the Corporate World
Seeking better financial stability, Sandra decided to pursue an MBA and transitioned into a career as a financial analyst. However, this new path did not bring her the fulfillment she sought. After a year and three months, she realized that the higher pay was not worth the dissatisfaction she felt. Sandra returned to teaching, reaffirming her commitment to education and her belief in the importance of doing work that one loves.
Out to Lunch Bunch, May 2024, Sandra with the group
Joining AAUW
Sandra first joined AAUW at the age of 25 while living in Cupertino. At the time, she was the youngest member of the branch and took on the role of chair of the Status of Women. Her involvement with AAUW was driven by a personal experience of gender discrimination. During a job interview, she was told by the interviewer that she should be home raising children instead of seeking employment. This blatant discrimination motivated Sandra to join AAUW, where she believed she could make a difference in advocating for women’s rights.
Advocacy and Achievements with AAUW
Sandra’s work with AAUW focused on changing discriminatory laws and advocating for women’s rights. She and her colleagues worked tirelessly to address issues such as credit card ownership for women and other legal inequalities. Their efforts contributed to significant legislative changes in California, paving the way for broader national reforms.
Sandra’s dedication to AAUW extended beyond advocacy. She participated in various activities that promoted education and equality. Her involvement provided her with a sense of community and purpose, especially as she navigated the challenges of aging and the loss of friends.
Life in Morgan Hill
Sandra has been a resident of Morgan Hill for 38 years. Moving to this town provided her with new opportunities and challenges. A member of AAUW MH since 1986, she became more deeply involved with AAUW, an organization that has become a significant part of her life, as she continued her advocacy for women’s rights.
Sandra also served as branch membership VP shortly after joining. Between 2013 and 2016, she hosted the Fall membership brunch in her beautiful backyard. She also was a past chair of the Out to Lunch group and now regularly participates with that group. And, of course, she helps with the Wildflower Run.
WFR 2022, Volunteering at Race Check-in
Personal Life and Interests
Sandra met her husband through a group for divorced individuals. They connected during a trip down the Russian River and married in 1985. Her husband, of Venezuelan and Chinese descent, brought a rich cultural diversity to their life together. Although they did not have children together, Sandra embraced her role as a stepmother to his two children.
In addition to her work with AAUW, Sandra has a passion for painting, particularly watercolor. She also takes Spanish lessons to communicate better with her husband’s relatives and to enrich her own cultural understanding.
Tutoring and Mentorship
Sandra has made a significant impact through her volunteer tutoring efforts. She has tutored numerous students, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, from kindergarten through college. Her commitment to providing free tutoring services to those in need reflects her deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Many of the students Sandra has tutored are of Chinese descent. She has helped them navigate the challenges of learning English while maintaining their cultural heritage. Her husband often assisted with translation, bridging the language gap between the students and their parents.
Legacy and Impact
Sandra’s life is a testament to the power of education and the importance of advocating for equality. Her work with AAUW and her dedication to teaching have left a lasting impact on her community and the lives of countless students. Sandra’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place through education and advocacy.