I'm fully bilingual, born in Dominican Republic, and at an early age moved to England where I learned my first words in the English language. After 7 years living in London my family moved back to Dominican Republic and I was enrolled in a bilingual school until I graduated. After graduating college, besides my Business and Marketing professions I studied languages. My first job was in the American Consulate, where I started to teach Spanish to the Consular Officers. When I started teaching languages, I did not anticipate becoming a professor; I thought I was headed for think tank work love teaching not every single day, not every single student but I'm happier with my role in the media world than I've ever been.
What I've learned in the past three years is not a matter of curriculum or material. I've learned that first and foremost, effective teaching is rooted in the relationship one develops with students. I've learned to appreciate their struggles and their lives outside the classroom and our mutual challenges with the learning process. I appreciate my problem students as much as my "A" students. Teaching is one of the things I love to do and comes with an extraordinary fringe benefit: We have a chance to change people's lives. I consider that a tremendous privilege.