Get to know the new high school Spanish I,II and III teacher, Marianela Aguilar, Aug. 23.

Aguilar was born in Costa Rica. Spanish is Aguilar’s first language, but she began learning English soon after moving to the United States.

Moving to America at just 17, Aguilar shares some of the challenges she faced moving from Costa Rica to the U.S.

“The most challenging part moving from Costa Rica to American was learning the language,” Aguilar said. “I didn’t know how to speak English. It took me around five years to catch on. I moved here by myself and didn’t have my family with me. They moved after 7 months of being apart. That was also a difficult part of the move.”

One of Aguilar’s hobbies is planting succulents. She created her own garden in her backyard. When Aguilar isn’t teaching, she loves traveling. Aguilar has vacationed in the Bahamas and went on the Disney Cruise.

Aguilar also teaches Spanish literature and Spanish for beginners at Fresno Pacific University. She’s been teaching at FPU for two years.

Aguilar has been married for 20 years and also has a 20 year old daughter.

When you see Aguilar, make sure to welcome her to the campus.

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