Who Was My Most Influential Teacher?
Who was your most influential teacher? Why?
Believe it or not, my most influential teacher came into my life when I was just nine years old. I was a little white blonde girl growing up in Brooklyn, New York—but I was surrounded by culture, flavor, and language that would leave a lasting mark on my heart.
One of my very first and best friends was Cuban, and right next door lived a warm, welcoming Puerto Rican family who quickly became like my second family. Their daughter was my classmate and friend, and their home always felt like home to me, too. I was at their dinner table often, and rice and beans weren’t just something I ate—they became a part of who I was.
In school, when I had the chance to start learning Spanish, I jumped in with both feet. My Spanish teacher saw how much I loved it—how I practiced my accent at home every day, how I wanted to get every word just right. She lit up when she saw how dedicated I was, and in turn, she poured so much love and belief into me. Even though Spanish wasn’t my native language, she always made me feel like I truly belonged in her classroom.
Her encouragement meant everything. I kept learning through high school, and that foundation she gave me helped shape my path. At 16, my first boyfriend was Puerto Rican, and by then, Spanish had already become second nature.
To this day, not a day goes by that I don’t speak Spanish. Whether I’m talking to friends or chatting with someone at the gym, it flows naturally. People are often surprised to learn I’m not Latina, because my accent is so authentic. And if I ever don’t know a word, I just ask—¿Qué significa eso? I’m always learning.
One of my favorite sayings is, “Uno nunca sabe”—“One never knows.” And it’s true. That early love for a language, a culture, and a community changed my life. That teacher didn’t just give me vocabulary and grammar—she gave me a lifelong connection to people, to purpose, and to passion.
Now, I get to share that gift with my son. I truly believe language is one of the most powerful tools we can carry—and I’ll always be thankful for the teacher who helped me find mine.
