Interview with Sra. Flores, by Calvin C.

How long have you been at JW?

This is my 5th year.

What was your first impression of JW?

Wow. It was the first year of the pandemic, and I needed to do all my classes online for the first time, but I can say that my coworkers were very supportive during this time.

Why did you become a Spanish teacher?

I decided because I love Spanish and Hispanic culture, and at some point in my life, especially when I came to this country, it became more difficult to do my previous job (I used to be an urban and environmental planner). Because of this, I had to change careers. I first tried private classes for Spanish teaching, then I figured I liked it and got a Master in Studies in Spanish Education to become a teacher.

What university did you go to?

Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (International University of La Rioja), in Northern Spain.

Where are you from?

Venezuela.

Previous teaching experience?

After teaching the private classes, I had to do an internship, which I did at a private school in Bethesda. I had a class size of roughly 25, and I taught high schoolers, middle schoolers, and kindergarteners.

Favorite song?

El Invento by José González. It’s a Hispanic name, but the song is from Sweden. I also love salsa music.

Favorite food?

Lebanese food.

Is cereal a soup?

No, because cereal is just adding milk to a dry thing, so I wouldn’t really call it a soup. It’s fine that it’s cold, since gazpacho is a cold soup. However, a soup needs more preparation, more work put into it.

Any advice you would like to give to students?

Have more responsibility and own your actions and decisions. And being respectful also is important. “Being respectful” is a broad term, but it is as simple as having good manners and saying “thank you.”