Patricia was born in San Gabriel, California. She studied at California State University, Los Angeles, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969 and a Master of Arts degree in 1972, both in Spanish. During the period from 1970 until 1985, she served as a high school teacher in San Gabriel.
In 1987 she was appointed as an instructor in Spanish at Ventura College, the post Rush held till September 1989, when she was promoted to the post of a Professor of Spanish and that of Foreign Language Department Chair. Patricia remained in the positions until her retirement in May 2008.
During her tenure at the college, she taught Beginning and Intermediate Spanish, as well as Vocational Spanish for Health Care, School Personnel and Business. In addition, she authored several books for such courses, as Beginning and Intermediate Spanish, Vocational Spanish for Health Care, School Personnel and Business, as well as Spanish for Law Enforcement.
Moreover, Patricia directed the Migrant Education Program in the Alhambra School District, as well as the Gifted and Talented Education Program, and served as Dean of Students and Vice Principal in charge of Curriculum. Patricia has traveled extensively throughout the Spanish-speaking world, focusing on Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Cuba, and has directed International Studies programs.
Patricia’s primary motivation for writing is a desire to “make language learning (Spanish) relevant to students.” She also claims that the ability to use the second language in a professional setting can help in achieving success in a chosen field.
