The GNA Insider had the opportunity to meet the new French teacher, Ms. Rivera!
What are your hobbies outside of school?
Outside of school, you can catch me curled up on my couch with a big bowl of popcorn, watching movies. I like to watch all kinds of movies, but horror movies are my go-to. Not gore, though – that’s just too much for no reason.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Something most people don’t know about me is that I have played piano for the majority of my life. (Don’t ask me to play something now, I’m years out of practice.) But I’ve taken lessons since I was a kid, and I try to play something every now and again.
If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
If I had the chance to meet anyone, I think I would want to meet a Greek philosopher like Socrates or Plato – they have had such an influence on the human timeline, and I would like to ask questions about their influence back then and what they would think about it now.
What is your favorite band, or who is your favorite singer?
I don’t really have a favorite band or singer. Usually, I listen to whatever music pops up on the radio or on a shuffled playlist. I think all artists are unique and have something special to like!
What is your favorite song of all time?
Thriller: Michael Jackson. The best song ever for any time of the year.
What is your favorite place to eat?
My favorite place to eat is my grandmother’s house. I know anytime I came over to visit, there would be a big meal for the family that was always made with so much love, and there would always be some to take home. No restaurant can top Grandma’s cooking.
What is the most unique place you’ve ever visited? Why?
A few years ago, I went on vacation to the Dominican Republic to rendezvous with some extended family members I rarely get to see. Although the DR is a very popular vacation location, the entire maternal half of my family coming together made it the most unique experience I’ve ever had.
Do you have any pets? If so, what are they?
I currently have one pet – a kitten (she’s not a kitten, but to me she will always be) named Missy, who likes to eat chicken defrosting on the counter and loaves of bread left unattended.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I can’t stand when people don’t use their turn signals when driving.😡
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have to say that the students at GNA inspired me to become a teacher. I began my career as a High School Substitute, which gave an accurate introduction to what life would be like as a teacher. And although my students drive me crazy, I still wake up every morning wanting to do my very best for them. And I really don’t see that changing anytime soon.
What do you like most about teaching?
The best part about teaching is getting the chance to meet amazing students. I think I have the best classes with the best students that I can ask for, and I’m very grateful for their participation and diligence when working in class each day.
What is your biggest piece of advice for students?
The biggest piece of advice I can give students is to remember that not everything is going to be figured out right now. I know it feels like you have to know who you are, who your friends are, what you’re going to do in a few years once you graduate – but everything is designed to change as you yourselves are designed to grow. And that’s perfectly fine. So let the changes happen, and let them help make you who you are.
How long have you been teaching?
For the 2024-2025 school year, I was your dedicated high school substitute teacher. And now I’m honored to spend my first year here at GNA as your ELA/French Teacher.
