7th Grade Spanish Teacher (School Year 2019-20)

Davidson College ‘16, Hispanic Studies Major & Theatre Minor

What is your most memorable moment as a GUS student?
When I was in 8th grade, I had the opportunity to go to Honduras with NPH. While I had been on service trips before, and I had studied Spanish in the classroom, this was the first opportunity for me to put what I had learned into practice. It was both exciting and terrifying to completely immerse myself in a totally new culture and language. Even though my Spanish language skills were less-than-perfect in 8th grade, the connection with the community members of NPH transcended language. I ended up writing my college admissions essay on that experience and the way in which I was able to incorporate my love of language, travel, and community service on the trip. Since Honduras, I have had the opportunity to travel to 18 different countries, and it is no coincidence that 5 of these countries have been Spanish speaking. Becoming a scholar of the Spanish language has opened up the world to me, and I hope to help open up the world for new GUS students in our Spanish classes.

How do you feel GUS prepared you for high school and beyond?
GUS’ commitment to foster the growth of well-rounded, community-engaged, life-long learners were essential to my success in high school and beyond. I carried with me the organizational skills that I had learned and continued those patterns into high school, college, and even my professional career.

Why did you become a teacher?
Teaching has always been a passion for me. Even when I was not strictly a ‘teacher’ by trade, I used the skills of a teacher to help inform my job. I love sharing what I have learned with others and helping those who may not understand a subject to connect with the material so that they can learn it more readily. Making a connection with students and using that connection to help students relate to the material inspires me to continue to work hard every day.

What brought you back to GUS?
I was looking to spend more time teaching, and when I saw that GUS had a Spanish teacher opening, I was thrilled. I applied because I wanted to re-join the community that supported me through those awkward middle school years, and I wanted to help advise and guide a new generation of students a decade after my graduation. I feel uniquely qualified to understand the perspective of a middle schooler at GUS, and I am living proof that students who start Spanish in middle school at GUS not only have the potential to, but are capable of becoming fluent.

Being back on campus, what strikes you as familiar or new at GUS?
Walking back onto the GUS campus initially felt like walking into a time capsule. I was in the first graduating class to experience the new Upper School building, and when I went to visit Dr. Draper’s classroom, I could even find my name written on the beam.  As I walked around campus, it wasn’t just the buildings that felt familiar, but also the way in which everyone greeted me as I arrived. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, and even though many faces were new, the current faculty has shown me their intentions are as GUS-like as ever.

What are you most excited about for this school year?
I’m so excited to dive into teaching. I can’t wait to share my love of Spanish and the cultures of various Spanish-speaking countries to students!

When you’re not teaching at GUS, where are we most likely to find you
If I’m not at GUS, I’ll most likely to be playing with my new puppy, and if I’m not with my puppy, I would hope that I would be at a theatre (North Shore Music Theatre or the Boston Opera House have been my Go-To’s as of late) for a matinee of a musical, or on a plane on my way to explore a new country, culture, and landscape!