Nacogdoches High School has a diverse faculty representing many countries and cultures. The Dragon Echo asked our international educators how they came to NHS, what they like about working at NHS, and what they miss most about their home countries. Here is what they had to say.
Dr. Gusyakov - I am from Ukraine (former name "Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic" when it was part of the Soviet Union). Ukraine became independent from USSR on August 24, 1991.
My very first trip to the U.S. was in 2003 as an exchange student at SFA. I spent one year being a full-time student. I also traveled around Texas and the U.S. during holidays.
In 2010 I came back to SFA to work on my Master's degree. After I graduated in August of 2011, I was offered a position of a Spanish teacher at Nacogdoches High School. I ended up staying here long-term. I love the fact that it is a college town. It provides additional opportunities for entertainment and leisure (sporting events, fine arts events, etc.) that other small towns don’t have. It also made it convenient to pursue my doctoral degree since I didn’t have to travel out of town.
I love NHS because of the students who are inquisitive and goal-oriented in both academics and sports. I love the staff who genuinely care for our students and push them every day to be a better version of themselves. I also love the support of our local community who step up every time we need additional help to be able to grow and improve as a campus.
My parents, my sister, and my whole family still live in Ukraine. I definitely miss them. However, modern technology allows us to keep in touch and see each other any time we want.
I also miss the climate and the change of seasons. I am used to four clearly defined seasons with low humidity hot summer, colorful leafy fall, very cold and snowing winter, and refreshing spring--the kind of weather that we see up north in the Dakotas or New England.
My wife Margie (who also works at NHS) and I have a one-and-a-half-year old son Bryan.
I speak four languages: Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Spanish.
Every day I work very hard to make our community, our state, and our country a better place. Being in the educational field provides me with a lot of leverage for the effort that I put in.
Ms. Kemi - My name is Oluwakemi Margaret Tanimonu (fondly called Mrs. Kemi).
I am from Nigeria, West Africa, commonly acclaimed as the Giant of Africa.
I have been in the United States of America for about 3 years and 10 months. I moved to the U.S. because it has always been my dream. There are greater and better opportunities for me and my children.
Upon my arrival, I thought about ways of impacting youth with sound knowledge, especially in Mathematics through teaching and instruction. So I decided to pursue a teaching career in mathematics. I personally love math and science. I always incorporate tools and strategies for helping my student in the area of mathematical problem solving techniques so that they can become better problem solvers.
Generally speaking, life in Nacogdoches is a very peaceful one and it can be said to be one of the safest cities in Texas. The people are friendly.
I believe Nacogdoches High School has a lot of programs geared towards youth development, and creates great opportunities for various careers, and most importantly prepares young minds for the future. I decided to join this ever growing school to contribute my efforts towards these dreams. It may be challenging, but I have been able to deploy my skill in positively influencing students to believe in themselves and that they can achieve whatever they set their mind to; I have been able to present mathematics to students in a more interactive way.
I miss my precious and delicious African food, cultural ceremonies and of course my family and extended relatives.
I want everyone to know that I am passionate about helping young people reach their greatest potential. I am approachable and loving, always ready to offer help within the available resources and time. I counsel young people on character, education and making decisions that positively affect their life.
When not at school I enjoy spending time with my family, being indoors, and cooking.
Ms. Luna – Ms. Luna is from Mexico. She came to the US when she was 16 for education and a chance to attend college. Her favorite thing about Nacogdoches is the vast vegetation. She had never seen trees like the ones here before moving here. What she loves most about her country is the music and food.
Mr. Miranda – Mr. Miranda is from Argentina. He came to the U.S. in 2013 to complete his degree in forestry. He began working as an aide in the ELL program, and is now a teacher. His wife, Ms. Bryant, also teaches at NHS. "I love Nacogdoches for the cultural diversity," he said. I love to teach my own language, because we pronounce closely to the Spanish of Spain.
What Mr. Miranda misses about Argentina is the food and tropical weather, and spending time with his family.
"My Spanish is from Castillas. That is why we call it Castella instead of Espanol."
Ms. Olvera - I am from Costa Rica. I came to the United States 34 years ago. My mother came to teach ESL in Center ISD. Once I graduated from SFA I wanted to stay in Nacogdoches, so I began teaching at NHS. Nacogdoches is a small, friendly and safe town. I love the old architecture of the older buildings and homes and the sense of community.
What I love most about Costa Rica is the biodiversity my country officers, and I love the kindness of the Costa Rican people. I miss my extended family and the food.
I love working at NHS and I feel privileged to serve the English Learner population. I am honored being a liaison between the school and the non-English speaking parents and community members.
Ms. Raiciu – I was born and grew up in Romania, a small country in Europe. I first came to the US in 2007 as part of an international program for teachers, and I since then have taught in North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado and Texas. I like the peace and quiet of a small town, the nature and all the festivals and the involvement of the NHS students in the community. NHS made me discover how rewarding it is to have the French Club doing things for the community and for other students. Our toy drive for Carpenter, and our Valentine’s Day action at the nursing home were a real success. I also enjoy working at NHS because we have a diverse student population, and as a language teacher I can share the French culture and my home culture with my students. I miss my family and the rich Romanian culture and activities going on in my city. I grew up in a medieval city built in the 13th century in the heart of Transylvania, 15 miles from Dracula’s castle, where I used to work as a tour guide for several years. I speak five languages and have visited over 25 countries.
Ms. Silva – I am from Veracruz, Mexico. I came from Mexico in 1999. I came to the United States because my parents came to work. I graduated in 2004 from Nacogdoches High School. I had wonderful teachers who inspired me and instilled the love of learning. I returned to NHS to work as a teacher, because I wanted to give back to the community. I want to inspire other generations to pursue their dreams. I am a DACA recipient, and I believe hard work and education is the key to success. What I miss from my country is the culture and the food.
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