Ms. Juana Mordaga is a Spanish teacher here at Passaic Prep. This year marks her 11th year teaching in the Passaic district and her third year teaching here at Prep. Ms. Mordaga gave us a few minutes of her valuable time so we could ask questions and get to know her better. 

The Boulevard Online: What are some family details you would like to share?

Ms. Mordaga: I have a 10-year-old daughter. Her name is Ariana Marie. I love her so very much! She would like to become a pediatrician. At her young age, I emphasize the importance of earning a degree. It is a must. 

TBO: What other languages do you speak or would like to learn? 

Ms. Mordaga: I speak English and Spanish but I would like to learn French and Italian.

TBO: How does being bilingual help you in your profession? 

Ms. Mordaga: Being bilingual has helped me as I teach my students Spanish. I instill in them the importance of being bilingual and the numerous advantages it has.

TBO: Cook at home or takeout? 

Ms. Mordaga: Cook at home (weekdays) and takeout (weekends). 

TBO: What’s your favorite Spanish dish? 

Ms. Mordaga: My mom’s delicious Bandera platter (rice, chicken & beans). 

TBO: What are some of your favorite things to do to relieve stress? Hobbies? 

Ms. Mordaga: I love to paint, I find it to be very relaxing. I also love to listen to piano music and one day I would love to learn how to play the piano. Beethoven and Chopin are my favorite composers.

TBO: If you could be anyone for a day who would you be? 

Ms. Mordaga: I would still be myself.

TBO: Cats or dogs? 

Ms. Mordaga: Dogs.

TBO: What’s on your bucket list? 

Ms. Mordaga: On a professional level, to master a new work-related skill. On a personal level, to travel to as many places (Machu Picchu,Taj Mahal, Galapagos Islands, Eiffel Tower, Chichen Itza among many others).

TBO: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

Ms. Mordaga: Being the proudest mom, visiting my daughter in college.