In Sheila Morejon Manzanilla’s honors Spanish four class, she teaches students about the cultural and historical significance of Spain’s architecture. In Spain years ago, she was studying for her master’s degree at the University of Salamanca.
Her dynamic story brings knowledge, culture and creativity to the classroom. Morejon’s students are not only taking a Spanish class, they’re gaining a bright perspective on what life has to offer.
Throughout Morejon’s life, she has lived in big cities, such as Mexico City, Ottawa, Paris and London. When she first moved to this area, she “started to admire my neighbors, everything that they were doing, how involved they were. I really like the community,” Morejon said.
Morejon was in awe of the wildlife as well. “I was just sitting in the living room in the house that we were renting. And there was a deer and then there was a fox. I said, ‘oh, my gosh, this is so natural,’” Morejon said.
In Morejon’s free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and diving. Her son studied at John Hopkins University and her daughter studied at St. Mary’s University. Before embarking on her teaching career, Morejon was still helping others as an aromatherapist. “I used to import and distribute essential oils all over Mexico,” Morejon said.
She has worked closely with professionals across Mexico to achieve her desire to support others. Morejon feels that aromatherapy is a source of restoration. “Yes, it’s about how nice it smells, but it’s also medicine,” Morejon said.
Morejon doesn’t just value helping students to understand proper conjugations or vocabulary words. Morejon appreciates that she can “share everything I know. It’s not about achieving all the knowledge that you can in a way, but it’s about sharing that knowledge all the way,” Morejon said.
On PSAT day on Oct. 15, Morejon was involved in bringing in a professional tango dancer for students to understand different cultures, dances and people who work in the professional world. “She really enjoys teaching about her culture,” sophomore Julia Shi said.
Recently, Morejon started using a squeaky rubber chicken to grasp students’ attention after partner or group work. She said that her husband initially gave it to her as a joke, but once she used it in class, she realized it was humorous yet effective. Students notice that these unique qualities shine through Morejon’s lessons and classes too. “She’s passionate,” Shi said.
Inside Morejon’s class, posters made by students about successful Hispanic and Latino figures hang around the room. She promotes team work and collaboration by integrating these projects into her classes.
Students have also felt that they feel prepared to take more advanced Spanish classes in the coming years. Morejon provides plenty of resources to students, such as EdPuzzles and Quizlets. “I want to take AP Spanish next year,” sophomore Jessie Zou said.
All of these traits tie into Morejon’s love for spreading positivity throughout the school’s community. One of her favorite things about teaching is being able to “encourage students to become a better person every day,” Morejon said.
