I attended La Universidad de Salamanca, in Spain for a year. This wasn't easy for me. I ordered the wrong food, as I couldn't read the menu, and it was difficult to understand directions. School was incredibly hard, compared to learning Spanish during college. After some time, I became more fluent in Spanish, and I enjoyed living there. That's when I decided to teach ESOL students, because I identified with their experience. Now, I'm happy teaching students from all over the world.

Henrique is one of my adult ESOL students. He is a prep cook at a restaurant. He is constantly listening to the Executive Chef calling out orders to make several types of food, and making changes to prepare dishes with a variety of ingredients. The only thing holding Henrique back was his lack of English. After 4 months learning English with me, his ability to communicate significantly improved. The Executive Chef recognized this, as he complimented Henrique, and gave him a raise in pay!

As a teacher of adult ESOL immigrants from all over the world, I would donate to the MIRA Coalition, which is the leading voice for immigrants and refugees in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I would donate money to support the lives of millions throughout the state from education to citizenship, vital aid, and institutional advancement. In addition, becoming America's Favorite Teacher would allow my family and I to take a vacation, for the first time in 20 years!