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Blanca Martinez

I feel very fortunate to have grown up with two strict, yet loving parents, five sisters and one baby brother. Education was valued in my family. We were not asked if you go to college, but rather, which college you plan to attend. As a result we are all college graduates. Becoming a teacher was an easy choice for me, because I also believe that getting an education is important.  I have been teaching for 30 years, 27 of them here at Short Avenue Elementary. I have fallen in love with first grade. Seeing my students eyes light up when they succeed makes my soul happy. Watching my students grow physically, emotionally, and mentally always brings a tear to my eyes in June, when it’s time to say good-bye. I know, however, it is time to let them go and continue on their educational journey. The wonderful thing, though, is that I get to start my teaching journey again with each and every new first grade class.