By: KEIRA SANDERS
Staff Writer
After COVID-19 unfortunately had Visalia Unified schools shut down, El Diamante high school was in need of new staff. Luckily, we can now welcome Mrs. Guzman to this campus as our new STRONG teacher. Mrs. Guzman has kindly allowed us to interview her and ask her a few questions.
Q. What inspired you to start teaching?
- Teaching was a little accidental. I was a high school athletic trainer right out of college and my principal invited me to teach one period of an athletic training elective class. I really enjoyed the experience and decided to go back to school to get my teaching credential. I’ve loved this job ever since. And being a sports medicine teacher means I get the best of both worlds.
Q. What do you like best about El Diamante?
- Everything! I taught here for 5 years, then left for 3, but I am ecstatic to be back. The people, staff and students, are the best part of El D.
Q. How long have you been teaching?
- This is my 17th year teaching.
Q. Did you always plan to be a teacher at a high school? If not, what did you want to be instead?
- In high school I wanted to be a pediatrician, so I was a pre-med major when I started college. Once I started playing rugby at CSUF, I was introduced to the athletic trainers which was my first time hearing of this profession. I thought it was the dream job because it included my two passions – sports and medicine
Q. Do you have any hobbies or interests?
- I love to read. I love to travel, especially anywhere with a beach. I love to swim and hope to return to the sport of triathlons very soon. I love spending time with friends and family, including my bestie Mrs. Jungwirth. I’m a total true crime junkie!
Q. Is there anything you’d like to tell the students and staff of El Diamante?
- Living through a pandemic is not easy and we need to give ourselves and each other grace. But it’s also not an excuse to get lazy and develop bad habits. Things won’t be like this forever and we need to continue to be highly functioning citizens. Dig deep and find the energy to continue pursuing your goals. And lastly- “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” – Brad Meltzer
