Spanish I and Spanish II teacher Maria Rivas loves being able to help students expand their horizons by learning a new language. Rivas comes from Peru, and she has enjoyed being in America and being able to explore new places.

What do you love most about your job? “I love to just teach the students and try to help them understand a new language.”

Where did you go to high school? “I’m from Peru, so I went to school there at a school called Santa Anna High School.”

Do you have any hobbies? “I love painting. I also like to play the guitar.”

What is your philosophy on life? “That every person can be what they want to be. You can do whatever you want.”

If you weren’t teaching, what would you be doing? “I would probably be a full time painter. Acrylic is my favorite type of painting. I just love it.”

Did you always know what you wanted to be? “Yes, I always wanted to be a teacher.”

What makes you happy? “Seeing other people happy. When other people are happy, I’m happy.”

What was the best trip you ever took? “I went to Europe. It was exciting for me because I got to travel by train and I had never done that before. It was a lot of fun. My favorite country that I visited was Germany because I got to visit all the different castles. That was my favorite part of the trip.”

What is your favorite food? “Peruvian food of course! It’s what I grew up eating! Even though I don’t get to have it very often, my favorite Peruvian dish is Ceviche. Ceviche is raw fish marinated with lemon.”

What do you do in your down time? “I like to go on road trips around California to different towns and cities that I’ve never been to before. I don’t really have a favorite city in particular. I just like visiting the small towns around northern California.”

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? “I would probably retire first. Then I would buy a house and go on a long trip around the world. I would go everywhere! The first place I would go is South Asia.”

What is your favorite day of the week? “I like Sunday because I stay home and I get to rest. It’s my resting day.”