The beginning of freshman year terrified me. The person that helps me has been my Spanish 1 teacher. I knew a little Spanish before starting the class so I thought it would be boring for me. She made the class fun and interesting from the beginning. I know what to expect with a schedule for each week but there is always some slight variation. We have game days right before test days and each game is unique and fun. While my class learns new units she tells us about the Dominican Republic, where she grew up. She is understanding and willing to help, within reason, on everything. Tests always have a hint somewhere and sometimes the directions say stuff like write bird in Spanish next to your name for 1 extra credit, to encourage us to always check the directions. I always have fun and learn something new. She is willing to help us with personal problems and regularly gives life advice. When someone is struggling she offers individual help. You can always ask questions including some tests. She encourages everyone to get better at speaking Spanish. I have used her lessons outside of classes when speaking to and understanding Spanish speakers in my personal life. She gives you the opportunity to make up for your mistakes. We have inside jokes as a class. She takes 0 crap from people and has a strict no tolerance policy. As a veteran of the United States Military and a former security guard at a max security prison, she takes things very seriously. She will not lie to you or sugarcoat things. If she doesn't care about what you are saying she will tell you. She is a well liked and highly respected teacher at my school. Many people would not take Spanish 2 if she stopped teaching. I am not the only one in my family that thinks that she is the best teacher in our high school. She is admired by many students. If something is wrong she will do her absolute best to help you. She goes above and beyond what you could expect from a teacher.