Faculty Feature: Dr. Gabriel Berges, Upper School Spanish Teacher
Dr. Gabriel Berges is our Friday Feature this week!
Dr. Gabriel Berges moved to Rabun Gap five years ago after being hired for a Spanish teaching spot in the Upper School. Berges, his wife Ana and daughter Lucy moved into Irene Dorm and soon welcomed the arrival of their son, Lucas. Berges, originally from Spain, and Ana, originally from Croatia, moved to the United States a few years prior after a short time in Dublin, Ireland. They immediately jumped into life at Rabun Gap and have been a joyful, visible presence in the daily life here ever since. Their positivity, zest for life and love for each other is easy to see.
Berges is in his tenth year of teaching and has the education to back it up. He holds at JD in Law from the University of Zaragoza, Spain, a Masters in Education from the University of Granada, Spain, a Masters in Spanish Linguistics and a PhD in Spanish Linguistics, both from Universidad Nacional de Educaciòn a Distancia in Spain. He completed his PhD while working here at Rabun Gap. In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Berges coaches JV boys and girls soccer.
What made you decide to work at Rabun Gap?
Before coming here, I had the opportunity to visit the States several times (New York, Los Angeles) and I really liked it. Once I had the interview here, I knew immediately this where I wanted my family and I to live.
What's the makes Rabun Gap special?
Having students from all over the world is amazing. It’s very special because it gives all of us the opportunity to get to know one another and learn from each other. Rabun Gap exposes us to so many different cultures and backgrounds.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Once I finished my JD in Law, I felt the need to explore the world. I went to Dublin, Ireland, where I lived for 5 years. Dublin is a very cosmopolitan city where I had the opportunity to meet people with very different backgrounds from all over the world. Being exposed to the world made me realize that I wanted to share my own world with others. I decided the best way to do that was to become a teacher.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is based entirely on the individual as a human being. We are surrounded by wonderful people. It is fascinating to have the opportunity to get to know students: their passions, interests, personalities, etc. I think it is essential to create a good relationship with students based on respect, responsibility and care. This makes the learning process is much easier.
What were you like in high school?
During my high school years in Spain, I did sports all the time: soccer, basketball, cycling, handball, tennis, badminton. Sports have been one of the main blessings in my life. Going to school was always very fun for me. I loved having the opportunity to learn and spend time with my friends. Wonderful times!
What inspires you?
Almost everything. As I say to my students, I am in love with life. All we have to do is to look closer to realize how many treasures there are around us.
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
Everything starts with my family. Starting a new day with my family is the biggest gift. I believe it is also very important to have passions. Passions help you to start every day with a positive and happy mindset. Aside from these, I love writing and reading, travelling, watching movies, practicing sports, politics. Life is really interesting!
What are you known for?
My friends know that I am very loyal, passionate, and truthful.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?
That I will never stop learning, exploring, making the effort to improve in every single way. Life is too precious not to live it to the fullest.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
