Josefina Loeza

Ms. Loeza has taught Spanish at Oakland High for many years. In this letter, she says her farewells to the school. –Editor

Some years ago I came to Oakland High. Back then, everything was new as I was going to work with different students. Working with teenagers was definitely a new experience for me. Previously I had worked with young children as an elementary school teacher and for several years I worked as an ESC teacher at the community college. This change was certainly a new challenge. As with many challenges that I have faced in life, I welcomed the challenge and rose to the occasion. My tenure at OHS has been filled with highs and lows . Professionally the pinnacles of many years at OHS has been the development of Latinos Unidos. Celebrating the first of many Chicano/Latino graduations was an exciting experience. In fact, one of the greatest living Chicano artists provided a keynote address during one of our graduations and inspired the graduates and their families to go forth and conquer. As chair of the World Languages Department for several years, another high point was the creation of AP French classes as well as the reviving of AP Spanish Language and Literature classes. My relationship with many students has marked my life over the years as I have seen them coming and going from OHS. What now, you may ask? I leave with a bag full of memories forever. I know, as life settles down, that I will have to appraise some of these experiences. I will also find the time to ponder answers to many questions that my years at OHS have engendered. I sure I gave OHS my best over the years. Goodbye Oakland High. ¡Adios, paz y felicidad!