The Spanish honors class is saying their last farewells to Mrs. Bennett, the Spanish honors teacher who will be leaving this school year. As the school year is wrapping up, Mrs. Bennett reflects on her teaching experience and fond memories of Mountain Ridge as she leaves for another adventure in an entirely different country.
Including Mountain Ridge, Mrs. Bennett has taught for over 15 years in and out of the United States. Sadly, this year marks the last year that she will teach on campus and will be leaving for a Spanish Organization called Caring Hearts Ministry in Sonora, Mexico. Mrs. Bennett states that “It was a totally bittersweet decision to not come here, but I’ve had an opportunity with an international organization that is up my educational background and it’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss.” With the recollection of prior experiences, it was a hard decision to leave our school, yet Mrs. Bennett will continue to aid others.
The Caring Hearts Ministry is a program that offers hope and support in harsh times. Mrs. Bennett says that “It has a huge impact on the poor and people who struggle with addiction and poverty and for me that’s exciting to try and have a hand in helping them.” Showing support to those who struggle in a poor state has a significant impact on hope, and Mrs. Bennett wishes to stand with it.
Some perspectives from other students suggest that Mrs. Bennett’s farewell became more bittersweet. Vanshika Gottam, a freshman who also studies Spanish, states that “It was really sad to hear that Mrs. Bennett will be leaving next year, I was really looking forward to having her as my teacher.” Additionally, Vanshika Balaji, also a freshman who studies Spanish, says “I really hope that Mrs. Bennett will come back sometime. There really is no other iconic Spanish teacher than Mrs. Bennett.”
Throughout Mrs. Bennett’s teaching career at Mountain Ridge, there has never been a day where she felt not welcome. In fact, she states that “Before teaching at Mountain Ridge, I had a good impression about it. I’ve always heard good things about academics and sports.” In terms of student relationships, Mrs. Bennett would plan a trip for the Spanish class as a way to explore the culture of the world, stating that “These countries are so different, like Spain’s kind of all about the architecture and history and Costa Rica’s like the natural wonder of the world.” Furthermore, memories from different countries are a result of great memories from students. Mrs. Bennett says that “Some favorite memories of Mountain Ridge are mainly just my relationship with students like funny moments in the classroom like there’s just been times where I’m laughing, sort of crying, so I just feel a real connection with the student body.”
As many students and staff say their final farewells to Mrs. Bennett, a moment of reminiscence takes place where fond memories jump back and forth between student and teacher. No matter the circumstance, Mrs. Bennett will always be welcome at the Mountain Ridge community.
