Every year during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), Passaic Prep and The Boulevard Online will honor our Hispanic Heritage Heroes!
NAME/ROLE: Juana Mordaga, Spanish teacher
HERITAGE: We are from the Dominican Republic. It is a beautiful tropical island that I highly recommend everyone to visit! I was born in a small town called La Vega. My parents moved to San Juan de la Maguana when I was 1 year old. In the Dominican Republic we celebrate many holidays such as Dominican Independence Day (Feb. 27). On this day we get to wear costumes like we do here on Halloween. Three Kings Day (Jan. 6) is when we open our presents. We also celebrate my favorite holiday, Christmas, and many more! I came to the United States when I was 6 years old. I grew up in Passaic. I assisted several schools (No. 5, No. 6, No. 9, LMS and PHS). As an educator of 12 years in the district, it feels great to walk the same hallways I once did as a student.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: I am proud of so many things! To name a few, I am proud of my roots. I am proud of my daughter, Ariana, who is such a brave young lady! I am proud of my parents. I am proud of my Prep students who strive to do their very best. I am thankful and blessed to be part of the Prep family! I am proud of how I reflect on my experiences. The experiences that I have been through have made me who I am today. Self awareness allows me to grow both personally and professionally on becoming my best. Outside of Prep I spend time with my family and treasure each second spent with my loved ones!
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR HISPANIC HERITAGE: It is important to stay connected with my Hispanic heritage as it is part of my identity. We should proudly represent where we come from. As a Spanish teacher I make sure my students are aware of how essential it is to keep one’s roots alive and how beneficial it is to be bilingual. This country is so beautifully diverse because we all bring a part of us to it.
ADVICE TO KEEP YOUR CULTURE ALIVE: Never forget where you come from. We all have our reasons for coming to the United States but let’s embrace our culture with the utmost respect while appreciating others. As I once read, we all bring our suitcases full of dreams. Now that we are here, let’s maximize each and every day to fulfill those dreams and make this country that welcomed us and our country of origin proud of us! Give it your best!
COMMENTS FROM COLLEAGUES: “She is everything we need in this world. She is efficient, responsible, kind to all people. She is organized and determined to help staff and students. Ms. Mordaga is a pleasure to work with as a colleague and a leader to all students.”
“I think Ms. Mordaga is one of the most hard working dedicated individuals we have here at Prep. Mrs. Mordaga is an amazing role model for our students. She is kind, compassionate, professional and sets the bar high for her students. Juana meets everyone with the most sincere smile. I consider myself very lucky to work with someone like Juana. She is one amazing human!”
“She is not only an amazing teacher, but always willing to help others in any way she can. She is one of the most humble and hardworking staff member I know at Prep!”
