Sisters, Laura and Sylvia Ochoa are both currently on the teaching staff at Ripon High School. Laura, a full time english teacher, and Sylvia, a long term substitute teacher, also known as “The other Ms. Ochoa.” They grew up on Robert Avenue in Ripon, CA, attended Weston Elementary School, and graduated from Ripon High School. Although the sisters have very similar interests and hobbies, they are quite different. Sylvia is the 5th of 6 children out of the Ochoa Siblings.

“Having to find my own interests and way around helped me become my own person. I also believe I was the most well behaved child, and the comedian of the family,” Sylvia said.

Sylvia was very quiet growing up but broke out of her shell a little towards the end of her junior year of high school when she became friends with her current friends Brooke Rangel and Justin Johnston. Sylvia went to Modesto Junior College after high school, but graduated from Chabot College in Hayward with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies. She then continued on to CSU Stanislaus earning a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Sylvia is currently working on her teaching credential through the Teachers College of San Joaquin.

“It took me eight years to complete my four year degree, getting married and having my son, Marcus in 2006 while still putting myself through college was a big hurdle, my main purpose in life is being a mom,” Sylvia said.

Sylvia likes subbing at different schools because she enjoys forming relationships with students of all grades and ages.

Laura Ochoa has been teaching at Ripon High for four years. Laura graduated from CSU Stanislaus as an english major and then continued on with their credential program. Before joining the tribe, Laura taught at various other schools such as Kimball High School in Tracy and Lathrop High School. Laura was inspired to become a teacher by her own teachers growing up.

“My favorite part about teaching is all the great relationships I get to build with my students,” Laura said.

Laura takes on a huge role by being the yearbook adviser, teaching several english classes, and being in charge of four clubs including Girls League, Multicultural Club, Bug Club, and lastly, Film Club.

“I have a club meeting almost everyday, but with the help of my presidents and officers within the clubs, it makes my job a lot easier to manage,” Laura said.

Laura also has a freshman daughter, Naomi Wilbur at Ripon High this year.

“I love having her here with me,  I’m happy I get to see what she’s up to on a daily basis and that we get to share Ripon High together,” Laura said.

Both Ochoa sisters enjoy teaching at Ripon High.

“Laura inspired me to also be a teacher and we love being on campus together ,” Sylvia said.