Interview with Mrs. Monica Barce Gallardo. 2017-18
Ms. Mónica Barce Gallardo is a Professor of English and Cambridge at Colegio Alborán.
" "
Irina: 1. When did you know that your vocation was to teach adolescents and young people?
Monica: I've been teaching for almost 24 years, how long… (smiles) but I didn't know from the beginning that it was my vocation. As a child I was attracted to many professions. I had many concerns and interests, but I decided to study English Philology to teach classes in Secondary and Baccalaureate.
I started teaching little children, and the truth is that I really enjoyed it but deep down I missed being with young people, because even though they are at a rebellious age, it is a challenge and I must say that I love teenagers and being able to connect with them. they.
Irina: 2.- What is your main motivation for coming to teach at our school every day?
Monica: What motivates me the most is seeing how my students are progressing day by day, and not only academically, but also enjoying the subject and the methodology used.
The truth is that we had a great time! I would not change this job for any other, seeing their interest and how they participate in class is a great motivation for me.
Irina: 3.- What is the most difficult thing you currently encounter when entering the classroom?
Monica: To be honest, I don't find any difficulties, but I would be worried about going to class every day and not being able to motivate my students. I would feel very sad if I saw that they get bored and tired of listening to me and learning.
I hope that never happens (between laughs), our work is a daily challenge. Teachers of all subjects have to update ourselves every day and we are continually learning.
Irina: 4.- Where did you work before starting at Colegio Alborán?Pablo:
Monica: I started giving private classes to children, from various centers, including some who were at the Alborán School. Before joining Alborán I was working in Jerez and to be close to my family I wanted to work in Malaga, so I handed in my CV and when they called me from our school I couldn't be more delighted and I'm still very happy.
Irina: 5.- Why English and not another language?
Monica: Simply because it's the language I've learned since I was little and I've always loved it and I've been very good at it. In addition, I have always thought that it is the language that would open the most doors for me and it has been so.
If it wasn't for English, I wouldn't be doing the job that makes me so happy today.
Irina: 6.- What do you think about this new generation being called the lost generation?
Monica: I don't think you are a lost generation, quite the contrary, you are a generation far ahead of us and very accelerated. In fact, I would say that we are the ones who are "lost" before you, you are light years away!
Irina: 7.- As a mother of this center, what would you highlight most about the work that this school does?
Monica: As a mother I am delighted with the teaching that they provide at the Alborán School, my son is happy coming to this school and that is the most important thing for me. Each day comes more motivated than the day before. I am not only delighted by the knowledge that he is learning, but also by how they are training him as a person, to be critical and have his interests. And now with the introduction of the importance of emotional intelligence, I am even more satisfied.
The message transmitted by the school is really fulfilled: "Train happy, creative people with critical thinking in a natural and familiar environment, in order to be able to respond to the challenges of a constantly changing world."
Irina: 8.- She has been a tutor for many years. What can she tell us about that experience?
Monica: I can really say that I enjoy this experience, that I learn a lot from it and that I really like the relationship with the children, their environment and their families. You create some very special bonds with the course you are tutoring and bonds that last throughout the years of teaching.
Irina: 9.- What are your hobbies or activities that you are most passionate about?
Monica: Although it sounds obvious, I really like English, not only the grammar, but reading books for pleasure in this language.
Also, I am passionate about music and drawing, although I do not have much time to practice it. I like walking and sports in general. I have many likings or hobbies, but above all, what I am most passionate about is spending time with my son and my family. I think we should all strive to find those moments.
Irina: 10.- What would you say to a high school student who is confused and doesn't know what to do with his future?
Monica: It is hard for me to think that a boy of that age, so young and with so much life ahead of him, is lost, although it may be the case. This is ages and with the pressure to choose the future, sometimes you are a little confused. It is a very important and decisive decision that marks your future and you must make it at a very young age. I would advise you, first of all, to go to our counselor, Maru, who gladly advises and advises our students with great success.
Finally, I would tell him to reflect, to search within himself because surely he will end up finding something that he is passionate about, because there is always a motivation if we know how to search.
