Palmer Trinity School

REDISCOVERING HOME THE VERY THOUGHT OF LEAVING BEHIND EVERYTHING YOU LOVE, EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN YOUR HOME, IS TERRIFYING. YET, WHEN YOU HAVE A LIFE PARTNER WHO SUPPORTS YOU IN EVERYTHING AND A GREAT OPPORTUNITY COMES YOUR WAY, YOU TAKE RISKS AND EMBARK ON A NEW ADVENTURE. SO, YOU TAKE YOUR FAMILY AND BOARD A FLIGHT TO FLORIDA. BY PA OL A G U T IÉR R E Z , S PA NI S H T E A C HER It all begins with adrenaline at its peak. You don't know what awaits you or how things will turn out, but thankfully, the faith you grew up with sustains you and reminds you of the infinite love that guides your path. Being in a completely new country is a wonderful challenge. Starting anew, especially when you come from a place where families rarely part ways, can feel strange, even a little surreal. But then… you arrive at Palmer Trinity. From the first person who greets you at the gate, to the staff who keep the school beautiful, those who prepare the meals, the administrators, the teachers, and the Head of School, everyone is kind, helpful, and attentive. Every Monday, at the school's entrance, you're welcomed with a big smile and a warm greeting to start your week. You continue driving through campus and see a beautiful chapel in front of a soccer field with vibrant green grass that clearly reflects the care it receives. Later, you step into the dining hall, where the smiles continue, and you're welcomed with the warmth of a freshly made breakfast and coffee of your choice. What a delicious way to start your day and begin your work! But there are lessons to learn. At first, the schedule feels a little confusing: "Wait, there are four lunch periods and three different schedules depending on the day?" But a team of Falcons is always there to help you navigate your way. Then, day by day, you encounter different situations in class and at work, and what a relief it is to have a team that not only supports you through the processes but also offers their time, guidance, advice, and kindness. When you are walking down the hallway, the familiar sound of "Sra, Sra!" reaches your ears. You see your students' faces and feel the warmth in how they greet you. When homesickness starts to creep in, Veterans Day arrives, and you see the heartfelt way Veterans are honored. Personally, it reminds me of my father, grandfather, and uncles who served my country, and I think, "How beautiful it is to see how much they value their Veterans here." Later, new traditions arrive, like Thanksgiving. Someone says, "Come for your bread," and you find a beautifully decorated table. A kind parent greets you warmly, saying, "Welcome, we're so happy you're here." Your colleagues invite you to share laughs and spend time together. What a beautiful tradition it is, the sharing and breaking of bread with family and friends to give thanks for all the blessings we have. At that moment, I remember Friday evenings at my Uncle Ruben's house, where we would celebrate Shabbat. Christmas comes, and the nostalgia hits a little harder. But your World Languages department, with its warm Latin heart and international spirit, invites you to celebrate. They welcome you with open arms with all of your family. And then, I think back to the novenas with my family, where we would gather, pray around the nativity scene, and enjoy being together. The school year isn't over yet, but I can already say how good it is to have arrived at Palmer Trinity. Life's greatest adventures are always full of challenges and lessons. You might find yourself in a different country, speaking a language that isn't your own, and experiencing new traditions. But the love and community that embrace you make it possible to create a home far from home. 26 PALMERTRINITY.ORG P E R S P E C T I V E S

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