Faculty Friday: Maribel Aguirre, Middle School Spanish, Co-Dorm Parent

Mrs. Aguirre works in the role of Spanish teacher and Co-Middle School Dorm Parent at Rabun Gap. She brings over twenty years of Spanish teaching experience to the middle school, the last eleven years at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Plano, TX. Mrs. Aguirre was the head coordinator for two levels of Spanish, implemented Spanish curriculum for both her middle and lower school, and also served as a teacher mentor for new Spanish teachers at her school. She will also be living and working in Anderson Dorm, the Middle School dormitory. Mrs. Aguirre will be the second arm of the dorm team with Connie Walton, our long time dorm head. She will be crucial in continuing to develop students in our dorm setting. Mrs. Aguirre will bring her years of expertise with adolescent development to this role on our campus. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education with a minor in Spanish and Religion from Lee University in Cleveland, TN.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my former coach, Mrs. Snow. She was a great inspiration to me. I wanted to be just like her…a teacher and a coach, because she had the ability to make every student believe that they were the best, no matter the circumstances in which they found themselves.

What is your teaching philosophy? I believe we all have a talent and if we find a way to utilize that talent in a positive way, it could make a powerful difference and impact students lives.

What's the best thing you enjoy about working at Rabun Gap? I truly enjoy both of my jobs: teaching Spanish and being a mentor to the dorm kids. However, I also love opening my front door and looking at the beautiful grounds of our school. What a blessing it is to feel and to see God's creation.

What are you known for? My family and friends know me as a floral designer, a seamstress, an interior designer, and as a friend that will do just about anything to help anyone in need.

What inspires you? Knowing that I’m a child of the most high keeps me on my toes and wanting to do my very best in life.

Lets say you find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million, what would you do? I would donate half of it the Ronald McDonald House and the rest to another organization serving the needy.

 

What did you want to be when you were young? A marathon Olympian

 

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? I’m the world's most fortunate abuelita (grandmother).  

What’s one professional or personal skill you wish you had that you don’t? I would have loved to be a good singer.

If you could go back in time to any era, which would it be? The Victorian era has always called my attention...I love those costumes!

Have you ever met anyone famous? Tell us the story behind that? Yes, I meet John Travolta, when he was at the height of his career. I was very young and working a summer job at the Radisson Hotel as a waitress. Mr. Travolta came into the restaurant with a big group and requested a private dining area. The party was assigned to another waiter and I begging him to let me serve them (literally, on my hands and knees). The waiter allowed me to serve the drinks only, but of course I had to get his autograph as well. And I did!

What do you work toward in your free time? Spending every possible moment with my grandson and family.

Is there anything else you would like to add? If I ever need encouragement I think of Jeremiah 20:11, this bible verse always uplifts me. Hope it does the same to you all.