I sincerely believe that we are all, to some extent, the product of the teachers we had. Although there are many different factors that influence our education throughout our lives, I cannot help but feel that those people who guided me through crucial moments in the classroom left an important part of themselves with me, one that goes beyond a mere lesson plan and prevents me from forgetting them, no matter how many years go by.
Silvia, for example, my preschool teacher, showed me the most beautiful face of patience, kindness, and, above all, vocation. She was not only a good teacher; she loved being a teacher and enjoyed each of our achievements in an exceptional way. I believe that dedication and love for what we choose as our path in life was the most beautiful lesson she left me.
I will also never forget María, "Coca," as almost everyone knew her. She was distinguished by her integrity, she was strong-willed, but she had a special way of opening up in the classroom. She was imbued with the art of teaching. She was a strong woman, capable of overcoming hard blows in life and still giving her all in every class. I wrote a song for her, El hada del saber (The Fairy of Knowledge), and I hope she still remembers it.
Edelys taught me to bring out the best in everyone, not to pigeonhole any child, and to show that we can all go far at our own pace. A dreamer and a creative person, she worked wonders with us. She never allowed anyone to speak ill of any of the children in her classroom because she was one of those people who sought out causes, asked questions, and gave parents a good scolding when they didn't get close enough to their children.
Migdalia's example particularly marked me. What a way to face injustice, to defend her students. When she was right, no one could make her back down. She didn't have much patience to wait for parents to come see her. If she was concerned about one of her students, she would knock on doors and wait for hours in front of a house if necessary, but she wouldn't turn around until they listened to her. I was lucky to have her in my life.
Alexander was like a father in difficult times. He was a tremendous history teacher within the four walls of the classroom and a friend and protector outside of them. His voice never wavered when giving advice, no matter how harsh it might seem. I have known few people with such sincerity and empathy. I saw the "handsomest" of the "handsome" boys, at a difficult age, bow his head and say, "Teacher, you're right."
My university professors also left a lasting impression on me. Some for their admirable wisdom. Others for their ability to put themselves in our shoes and push us to reach our goal of graduating, but above all, to ensure that ethics and social responsibility would set us apart in the professional world.
Not all their names can fit in one text, and for each one I mention here, there are many others to whom I am grateful for every second of their dedication and commitment. I think of Maritza, who loved me so much and was always so proud of my progress; or Guevara, whose Spanish and grammar classes have been a solid foundation for every letter I write.
And yes, I have decided to write this text based on personal experiences, because they are the closest and most vivid to me, and because I know that there are thousands of exceptional and wonderful people like those I have had the pleasure of having in my life, in the respective life stories of my generation and those before it.
It is the best way I have found to say thank you, because on a day like this, there is no greater reward for them than to know that they are not forgotten, and that the path we walk every day would not be the same if they had not been there.
