In what ways do you think receiving and completing your education will help make a difference in your future? Do you believe speaking more than one language can benefit you? What exactly does the word “home” mean to you as an individual? If these questions are constantly popping up in your mind, or if you find yourself questioning the importance of having an education at all, meet Ms. Esqueda! Ms. Esqueda, who is the school’s Seal of Biliteracy coordinator here at Doherty Memorial High School, as well as the Spanish 1 and Spanish Langauge & Literature teacher, she has truly made an impact on students. If you want to know more about this devoted teacher, pay close attention to this interview that’s full of interesting stories, like noticing a deer jump out an office window at the old DMHS building, plans on writing her own book, or even witnessing the arrest of the guy who stole her beloved truck!

Ms. Esqueda’s Upbringing…

Q: Tell me a bit about your background. Where did you grow up?

“I was born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. A few hours after I was born, there was a cyclone – some sort of storm coming that required everyone to evacuate the city. So, my mom and dad brought me back to the U.S. where they already lived. Nuevo Laredo, Mexico is a border town to Laredo, Texas so it’s normal for people to travel back and forth. My first language was Spanish and later I learned English in school. A few years after I was born, we moved to Dallas, Texas where we stayed until I was 15 years old. After that, we came back to Laredo and that’s where I call home. It was important to mention that I grew up in Dallas because I’m a huge Dallas, Cowboys fan.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: What were some challenges you had to overcome during High School?

“I was a mother at the age of 16. I had a baby boy named Elhim and I raised him but we also grew up together.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: Did you join any extracurriculars when you were younger?

“I was part of a mariachi band once. I was the singer.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: What’s something you feel nostalgic about? Is there anything you feel very grateful towards?

“I miss my family in Texas and the feeling of when everyone used to still be here. We lost several family members in such a short period of time. Those experiences have made me extremely grateful for the ones who are still here.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: Do you own a pet? If so, what is their name, and how has your pet impacted your life? Share a bit about them.

“Yes, I do have a dog and his name is Bentley Jose. He lives in Texas with my little brother and his family. They named him Bentley but I didn’t think it was a Mexican enough name so I added Jose (which is my father and brother’s name). That is how Bentley Jose’s name came to be.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: Would you like to share a few words about a loved one? Do they inspire, motivate, or offer valuable lessons to you?

“My father was my hero. He had a 2nd grade education but knew how to build you a house from scratch.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: What’s your most favorite place you’ve ever been to? Have you traveled out of the country? What’s your favorite restaurant or hang out location?

“My parents’ house. Nowhere in the world will there ever exist a place that will feel the same as my parents’ house. It’s full of love and acceptance and safety. I’m safe to be myself there.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Ms. Esqueda’s Time Here at DMHS

Q: Do you have any favorite subjects, teachers, star Highlanders or other staff members here at DMHS? If so, tell me a bit about them!

“English has always been my favorite subject. Coach Rushton used to be my daughter’s Legal Aspects teacher and she always said that his class was very interesting. Also, when we used to be in the old school, I would go into Mrs. Simmarano’s Marketing class to make copies (the copy machines used to be in her classroom) and I loved how she explained things. So I would take Coach Rushton’s Legal Aspects class or Mrs. Simmarano’s marketing class. I don’t think Mrs. Simmarano is teaching anymore. She got promoted to a leadership position.” – Ms. Esqueda. 

Q: Do you have any work, community work, or internship experiences you want to share with us?

“I am the school’s Seal of Biliteracy coordinator. It’s one of my 3 jobs. I recruit seniors who speak another language at home fluently (besides English) to take a test. If they meet the criteria, they get to graduate with an extra seal on their diploma, as well as a gold medal.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: How do you motivate students who may be disengaged or uninterested in your subject? What strategies or tips are you willing to share?

“I tell them that they don’t have to love school. They just need to earn a 65 to get from A to B. I tell them to complete their high school education, and then move on to something they enjoy. High school isn’t always just learning what’s in the books. It’s tolerating people you don’t like, learning to problem solve, working with others. It’s good practice for the real world.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: What are some of the most memorable school moments or events that have still stuck with you?

“I saw a deer running around, outside the old Doherty building; and it ended up jumping into the front office through an open window.” – Ms. Esqueda. 

Q: What are your thoughts on Doherty Memorial High School? Do you feel supported or heard at all? Are there any improvements needed? What are you looking forward to?

“I love my school. I respect the administration tremendously starting at the top with Mr. Staley. I believe in the policies we set in place and I do feel supported and heard. We have great culture and climate officers.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: Do you have any notable achievements or awards that you’ve received in the past?

“I earned a backelor’s degree when I was 24 years old and it was notable because I did it with 3 small children. At 24 years old, I was the mother of a 3, 4, and 7 year old. I earned my master’s degree later, but it was much easier than when I got my bachelor’s.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: Do you have any goals for the future? Do you have something in mind to do other than teaching at the moment? Where do you see yourself in your teaching career in the next 5-10 years?

“I plan on writing a book about my life. I’m still not sure if it’ll be a memoir or an autobiography.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Fun Facts!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

“I like to watch movies, be home, and spend time with my two sons and daughter.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: What’s a fun or unique fact about you?

“I bought a new house about 17 years ago in Laredo, Texas. The subdivision my house is in had many new houses and people moving in. I found out later that there was a gang of thieves who would drive around preying on houses that didn’t have an alarm system yet. So one day, someone stole my truck right from my drive-way. I reported the truck stolen and was given a tiny Ford Focus as a rental. I went to work that day and when I came home I started to become very agitated and restless. I was sitting on the steps of my house looking at my drive-way and the ugly little car that had replaced my beloved Toyota Tundra. It made me so angry because I had felt targeted and victimized because I was a single mom with smaller children. At that moment, I told my sons, “Let’s go look for our truck.” We went driving around and near a Walmart, we saw a man driving my Tundra! I started following him (not too close) and I called the police. I kept following him and I almost lost him but soon a ton of cop cars turned into a street. I was sure they were going towards my truck. I was right because when I got close, I saw the police pull him out of my truck and slam him onto the floor. They put him in handcuffs and laid him on his stomach on the floor. I got out of my car and asked the police if I could approach the man. They told me yes so I walked around him while he was laying on the floor and said to him, “You know where I live but I know where you live too now.” It was such a wonderful moment for me and my little family.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: What inspires you? Do you have any role models you look up to?

“Educated, kind, compassionate people. I look up to my mother, my grandmother, and people who are in leadership but remain stable.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: Do you have any values or morals you want to share?

“My father was a hardworking, grouchy man but I used to notice who he was always kind to. He was always kind to animals, children, and the elderly. I admire that he was never unkind to the vulnerable.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: What’s a quote you would like to share?

“I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be. – Joyce Meyer” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: What are your hot takes at the moment?

“Team Justin Baldoni. Blake Lively is a mean girl.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: Do you have any secret or unknown talents?

“I can’t tell you or they won’t be secrets anymore.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: Do you have any music recommendations you’d like to share?

“Grupo Frontera. They’re a Tex-Mex band from South Texas.” – Ms. Esqueda. 

Q: What’s your most favorite place you’ve ever been to? Have you traveled out of the country? What’s your favorite restaurant or hang out location?

“My parents’ house. Nowhere in the world will there ever exist a place that will feel the same as my parents’ house. It’s full of love and acceptance and safety. I’m safe to be myself there.” – Ms. Esqueda.

Q: Do you have any tips on self care? What’s your daily routine like?

“If I’m having a rough day, I like to isolate myself and reflect, light candles and try to reset my inner energy.” – Ms. Esqueda. “

Her Impact at DMHS:

“She has contributed to creating a positive environment and is very encouraging to students. She has had a big impact on me by helping me believe in my academic potential. Her encouragement has pushed me to overcome challenges and aim higher. At DMHS, she has helped create a positive and supportive environment for all students. I’ll always remember how she would take the time to help me with my work whenever I wasn’t feeling productive, showing how much she cares about her students’ success.” – A fellow Highlander, Esari Martinez Leon.

“She has provided me with many resources when I went through a rough time and is always open to help her students. I believe that her cheerfulness makes everyone around her feel more comfortable and at ease.” – A Highlander here at DMHS.

“She is very kind and nice. Very commutative and talks about almost anything with us. They make me feel comfortable, and glad that I get to speak Spanish.” – A Highlander shared.

After hearing a bit more about Ms. Esqueda’s story, and what students had to share about her, how has her story helped inspire you to pursue a higher education? Do you believe being fluent in another language can help you acknowledge other people’s perspectives? Would you say you can relate to anything that has been said in this interview? This interview not only highlighted her ups and downs in life, but it helped raise awareness to the importance of embracing our own heritage and encouraged us to keep pushing forward, no matter the circumstances! Thank you for following along, and do not forget to click the comment button on the right-hand side to share your opinions and critiques on this matter! To read more articles, scroll down and click the ‘Teacher Spotlight’ tag in red! Tune in for more.

Contact Ms. Esqueda!

• • Email: [email protected]