Nickname: Ms. Oksana
Birthday: September 23rd
Hometown: Havana, Cuba
VLUS position: Spanish Teacher
Where did you go to college? UMASS Boston
Who was your favorite teacher and why? Amy DenOuden, one of my Social Anthropology professors and a woman with limitless empathy. She is an advocate for social justice, who helped me intellectualize what I instinctively felt and thought was right (Standpoint theory anyone?). She also made me aware of social issues that were foreign to me, such as Native-American current land grabbing by local and state governments, or other issues such as, women’s rights, rural and inner city poverty to mention a few.
What is the most favorite part of your job? Interacting with my students.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Law
Children: Zaida (10) & Victor (7)
Pets: Cats: Micha (~12 yo) & Ava (10 mo)
Favorite Color? Bright ones! Orange, red, blue
Favorite Quote or Saying? This is a mantra straight from my grandmother’s mouth (translation from Spanish): “There is nothing like one day after another, which I found to be the ultimate hopeful phrase.
Where is the farthest place you have ever traveled? Hum? India? Japan? Borneo? Which one is farther?
Favorite food? Mangoes
Hobbies or Activities: I’m passionate about traveling to places off the beaten path, hiking (all levels of altitude), surfing, dancing, should I keep going?
Something I am proud of? Living (not just surviving) the last three years of my life with an open heart and mind, a genuine smile, and full of hope for the future.