With Señorita MacDade’s departure from Del Val, a new teacher has stepped up in her place for the Spanish I and Spanish III classes at Del Val: Grissel Travieso Dipini.
Señora Travieso started teaching at Del Val in late October, previously teaching middle school Spanish at Clinton Township and Bethlehem Township schools. In total, she’s taught for a total of 19 years, most of those being on the island of Puerto Rico.
Travieso is native to the town of Naguabo, which is located in the top left of the island. She taught Spanish and Special Education for a total of 12 years on the island. She gained her Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of Puerto Rico and her Master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Turabo, also in Puerto Rico. Travieso was inspired to begin teaching by her mother, who was also a teacher.
“My mother was a teacher for 32 years, which always inspired me to follow in her footsteps,” said Travieso,
While being taught Spanish, Travieso acknowledges that conducting grammar is difficult for students.
“I think many students struggle most with the differences in grammar and structure compared to English, especially concepts like verb conjugation, gendered nouns, and the use of accents.” Travieso explained.
Travieso moved to the States 10 years ago. Despite this, she still is in touch with the culture from the Caribbean Island. She noted that she visits her family there often, as well as listening to Hispanic artists and music.
“I like Salsa as a musical genre. Tito Nieves and Marc Anthony are great representatives of modern Salsa,” Travieso said, “Music and dance are vital to Hispanic identity.”
Señora Travieso values Hispanic culture and identity, believing that plenty of aspects of history and traditions blend together in Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico has a unique blend of traditions, music, and cuisine that reflects our history and heritage,” said Travieso. “The strong influence of Spanish, African, and Taíno cultures is notable in festivals, music and food. At the same time as an American territory, Puerto Rico has adopted some traditions and holidays from the United States without losing our cultural essence.”
Some other things Travieso enjoys outside of teaching is sports, specifically watching WWE.
“I am a fan of WWE,” Travieso said. “ [I’ve] been obsessed with martial arts since I was very young, although I have never practiced them.”
Travieso highlighted how amazing it is to learn a new language in high school.
“I recommend that if you have the opportunity, learn a new language.” Travieso said. “Knowing and learning about other cultures is a wonderful experience, and being able to communicate with others is rewarding.”
