My dream is... / Mi sueño es...

KIPP Nashville Academy and its 11th and 12th graders have welcomed me with open arms.

I am now teaching Spanish to focused and dedicated students who are quickly realizing the value of a 2nd language.

Surprises these last 9 days:

Discipline - no drama

Connection - students and teachers communicate

Responsiveness

Desire to learn

Motivated

Commitment to work hard

Responsible

Vision for the future

Awareness it takes a village to succeed

So far, my new students and their gusto for life, reaffirm the sudden choice made. I can visualize the various opportunities we'll create for each other to grow and keep crossing more bridges in life.

As a firm believer of community partners I asked my wonder sister Yadira to visit and speak about the power of learning languages, fulfilling dreams and building self-esteem. She blew them away as she shared the various experiences she sought because she wanted to fulfill her dream to be a world traveler.

By sharing real life experiences (having lived in 6 countries, traveled to another 27), with Spanish words infused, she helped them realize the world awaits their presence and complete involvement.

Yadira did not sugar coat her discoveries and explained that every dream achieved - along with the mistakes made - was possible because she learned to work hard, sacrifice and seek help as needed.

Yadira also urged the students to make themselves proud - their faces as she uttered these words was priceless.

The students were asked to write their dream -

Mi sueño es...

If they could in Spanish, if not in English. Most students expressed their dream. Yadira reminded them, even if today they were not able to share, it is beyond important to think about their dreams, to give themselves the opportunity to dream... because 5-10-15 years from now they should think about this day and assess where they are in life.

I am dedicated to support my students as they make plans for their future and make themselves proud. Now they must consider the Spanish language can also be a part of this process and open many more doors... and build on new dreams...

Seguimos soñando!

Enjoy this video as Yadira shares one of her biggest lessons regarding career choices!