FACULTY PERSPECTIVE
Esther Lezama January 15th
By Jean Craig is a national holiday in Venezuela: Teachers’ Day.
It is also the day on which Esther Lezama was born in the fishing village Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela.
From her earliest days, she knew she wanted to help others grow and learn. Taking a cue from her birthday, very early in her life she decided to become a teacher.
Esther grew up in a large family–the 9th of 10 children–and her parents pushed her to study hard and complete college. “Tough we attended public schools, almost all of us graduated from college. We have a doctor, an architect, two engineers, and three teachers in the family.” She smiles when she recalls how close her family is. “We spent hours on the sunny Caribbean beaches and celebrated every
birthday, holiday, and accomplishment with festive meals prepared by my mother," she said. "I love to return each summer to visit my many nieces and nephews, as well as go island hopping and picnicking on nearby islands which are part of the National Park System.”
Esther has vivid recollections of her school days. Most memorable was a first grade teacher, Louisa de Villanueva, a soſt spoken and maternal lady who taught all of her siblings. “She smelled so good and oſten sat me on her lap. I’d been helped by a neighbor in reading and writing so I was advanced despite the fact I was the youngest and smallest in the class. She greatly influenced my desire to become a teacher.”
Esther wore a uniform during her school days, which was something she saw as a source of pride. As she advanced to Middle School, she studied a variety of subjects: all the sciences including agriculture, English, and journalism. “I began learning English in 6th
grade and
then encountered a wonderful teacher in high school who encouraged us to speak and use English as opposed to simply memorizing it out of a textbook. English was my favorite subject.” She had to work hard to find materials because the offerings at the local libraries were limited.
Esther chose a college in Caracas–Universidad Pedagogica Experimental de Caracas–which specializes in preparing teachers for their future posts. “I lived with my older brother and won a scholarship aſter my first semester," Esther said. "Tough I worked hard, I enjoyed living in the big city of Caracas, Venezuela’s 'New York,' and made many friends.”
Esther came to the United States on an exchange program and taught in rural North Carolina. “I felt very welcomed and enjoyed teaching Spanish to over 500 children in elementary school.” Continuing northward, Esther moved to Charlottesville where she learned about St. Anne’s-Belfield School. “I am so committed to my job here. Te community service program gives me great pleasure." She volunteers at the Free Clinic and also spends time each year with 8th
grade students
volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. "I enjoy the arts programs and watching the students play sports. I particularly enjoy our Chapel Service in the Middle School. Whether the speaker is a student, teacher, or guest, the quiet time together is very meaningful to me. Te camaraderie among the faculty and support of the parents is another plus.”
In her free time, Esther enjoys reading Latino American authors, dancing, and cooking. “I have come to love this country. I have met so many wonderful people and learned so much. I see myself as a Venezuelan with an American twist.”
32 – PERSPECTIVES/SUMMER 2011
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