Students join the Spanish program to grow their language skills, but I want to give them more. I love building community, and when students sign up for my classes I give them a big hug and welcome them to our “familia.” When I see them in the hallways I call out “mijito” or “mijita.” With so many of my students being first generation, I often become their counselor, mentor and cheerleader, and I relish that role. In my office we plan their careers, we laugh, we cry, we sing. In graduation I am in the front row screaming as each of them gets called to the podium. What an honor it is to be part of their success story.