BY RUBEN CARILLO
Describe what your favorite moment has been while teaching? One favorite moment? There are too many. But I can say that what makes me happiest is when a student comes to me so excited because they spoke Spanish with somebody. It’s so cool when you realize that you can actually use something you’ve learned.
Describe why you went into teaching? I have to admit that it was almost accidental. Both of my parents were teachers (my father taught at Boone the first nine years the school was open), and my grandmother, my aunt… I was surrounded by teachers. I always thought it would be fun to do for a couple of years. Thirty years later, I’m still here – and still having fun.
What did you love about teaching? The kids, of course. Being surrounded by teenagers my entire life has kept me young. And as hair-pullingly frustrating as teenagers can be, they are a lot more fun on a daily basis than most adults.
Who has helped you the most during your years of teaching? Ele Kenyon, who just passed away, was my American History teacher when I went to Boone, and my mentor when I started teaching here. As a teacher, she taught me that being an American and believing in our Constitution means being willing to listen to the opinions of others. As a colleague, she took me by the hand in my first years and not only showed me the ropes but stood behind me and stood up for me.
What did you want to be when you were a child? Growing up, all I wanted to do was move to Hollywood after high school and become a movie star.