From Family Lessons to Lifelong Connections: The Journey of Coach Esther

It would be hard to start talking about Esther García, a very esteemed online Spanish teacher at Spanish55 with a unique teaching style that blends spontaneity and structured learning, without mentioning that she's deeply influenced by her family's adventurous spirits. Her introduction into the world of language teaching, while seemingly serendipitous, is proof of the profound impact of her parents, who she considers her heroes, on her career and personal life. And why, do you ask? Well, let's set the scene:

"I remember the beginning," Esther recalls, "it all started with an English language course my father decided to bring home. A door-to-door salesman had come by offering books and cassette tapes—very old school, I know. My father saw an opportunity and decided to invest in it for us. And so, we, as a family, would sit down and learn together. It wasn't just about learning English; it was about a shared family mission." The narrative of her childhood encapsulates not only the act of learning but the ethos of perseverance her parents embodied—a theme that resonates throughout Esther's story.

Esther and her siblings sharing a heartfelt moment, reflecting the strong family bonds that have shaped her journey.

Growing up in a small town in Durango, Esther's life was shaped by her parents' willingness to take risks and embrace new opportunities. 

"They showed us that you could always start over, learn more, and embrace life fully," 

she says admiringly. Her parents decided to move to a bigger city, Ciudad Acuña in the state of Coahuila, to provide better opportunities for their children. This move was physical and symbolic of their approach to life—courageous and forward-thinking. "My parents always had a very open mind and a strong desire to grow. They weren't afraid of the unknown."

Despite not being academically inclined, Esther was encouraged by her parents to explore her own path. "They always said, 'You can do anything you decide to, just try to do it well.' And that basic thing was to speak English." This empowerment led Esther to dabble in various courses—from styling to computing—but the art of teaching truly captured her heart, particularly when it involved children. "The switch to teaching wasn't straightforward. I'm not naturally inclined to babysitting," she laughs, "but necessity led me to teach, and I found joy in it."

Esther's journey into language teaching was marked by significant milestones, such as her work in the national English program in public schools. "I worked there for over four years," Esther explains, 

"and additionally, I pursued further training and certifications, including TKT band 3 by Cambridge University, TELF Certificate, and Guidelines for teaching and student assessment by ITESO University." 

Reflecting on her beginnings, Esther recalls, "One day, while tutoring a certain school director's son three times a week to help him with his English studies, he mentioned to me, 'You explain things very well; you should consider teaching.' It was one of those moments that stuck with me."

A tiny turtle making its way across the beach in Mazatlán, a reminder of the natural beauty and resilience that surround Esther’s life.

Her foray into helping English speakers learn Spanish online, which began during the pandemic, was equally unplanned. "A friend suggested I should teach Spanish online. I thought, 'Why not?' it gave me a purpose during those uncertain times." This period of enforced isolation became a turning point, allowing Esther to discover and embrace the complexities of Spanish, a language she obviously had always spoken but had not taught formally.

"I realized teaching Spanish was a new world with its own grammar, rules, and syntax. It was challenging but incredibly fulfilling."

Esther's teaching evolution is not just about languages but about connections. "Learning to teach Spanish and speaking English on the side opened up opportunities to meet new people and grow. It's about connecting with others, which I highly value." This sentiment is a poignant echo of her parents' life philosophy—embracing opportunities and fostering connections. Her parents' influence is evident in her teaching approach and volunteer work with her local congregation. "I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and I dedicate a lot of time to this, especially working with the foreign community in Mazatlán."

A breathtaking sunset over Mazatlán beach, capturing the serene beauty of the place Esther calls home.

Esther enjoys a quieter pace of life outside of teaching and her volunteer work. Living in Mazatlán, where both her brother and parents have resided, on and off, throughout the years, she appreciates the tranquility and beauty of her surroundings. "In my free time, I love to relax. During the summer, I take care of houses for foreigners who leave for months at a time. It's something I've been doing for three years now. I enjoy looking after the homes, ensuring everything is in order, and caring for the plants." Esther has also developed a newfound love for dogs. "One of the houses I care for had a dog that needed a home, and I just couldn't say no. Now, I have two dogs, and they bring a lot of joy to my life. One is a mix with some Chihuahua in him, and he's the perfect companion—very calm and quiet. The other is more energetic, but we're working on getting along better."

Esther’s adopted dog enjoying a peaceful walk on the beach in Mazatlán, a symbol of the joy and companionship she’s found in her quiet moments.

When it comes to her students, Esther speaks with a deep sense of empathy and admiration.

"All my students are very punctual, creative, responsible, and disciplined despite their different circumstances. There are some who have a natural gift for learning languages; they don't need much explanation and can easily grasp new concepts. I not only enjoy working with them but truly consider it a privilege and honor to guide them in their process." 

This attitude extends to teaching students who find it more challenging. 

"It warms my heart to see them keep trying, doing their homework, and not giving up. Each student, with their unique struggles and strengths, brings something special to the classroom. They all give their best to be present in the session and make the most of it, and I've had only positive experiences with them."

Back to the topic of her parents, Esther sees them as her heroes, not just in their adventurous move to new cities like Coahuila and later Mazatlán, but in their everyday resilience. "They showed us that you could always start over, learn more, and embrace life fully. They were never afraid to take a chance on something new." While Esther admits to being more cautious than her parents, she sees their influence in her courage to teach in both languages and her voluntary work within the local community. "They inspire me to keep pushing my limits," she says.

Esther's parents walking along the beach in Mazatlán, Mexico—a beautiful reflection of the core inspiration in her life.

Esther's story is a beautiful melding of her parents' legacy and her unique trajectory in the world of education. These two distinct worlds very clearly intersect in her personality and drive. Their lives, filled with bold moves and educational endeavors, have shaped her into a passionate educator, continually driven by the desire to connect and grow—a testament to the enduring impact of familial love and the transformative power of education.