Mrs. Sanzotta is different from your typical Spanish teacher. Sanz has an interesting background that only a few know about. From her various jobs, hobbies, her family, and her transition to America, a lot goes into the one and only Sanz.
It all begins in Bogotá, Colombia. This city in Colombia is three times larger than New York City, and it holds the roots of Mrs. Sanz’s culture and contributes to who she is today.
In 1997, at the age of 17, Mrs. Sanz arrived in America as an exchange student. She spent her exchange year attending Livonia High School. This was a big transition for Sanz, from beginning in the vast, bustling city in Colombia, surrounded by family, to a quiet suburban, starting fresh on her own, while still very young.
After 10 months as an exchange student, Sanz arrived back in Bogotá, only to return to America a year later. In 1999, Sanz became a teacher’s aide in Rush Henrietta while also balancing college at night. To help get through college, Sanz says “I really had done any job I could find,” from landscaping and washing cement trucks, to being a secretary and a program assistant.
“It’s been really hard over the years. Even though I’ve been in the States for 27 years now, I never not miss home,” Sanz says. Her culture has always stuck with her. Dancing and doing arts and crafts throughout the years have connected her with this culture and a sense of home. Today, Sanz makes earrings from a studio in her basement.
Not only is Mrs. Sanzotta a Spanish teacher, but a mother, too. She has an 11-year-old daughter, Emi, who attends school at Fairport, and a German shepherd mix, Mojo. “Becoming a mother changed me as a teacher; the level of empathy grows significantly,” Sanz explains, “When balancing work and family time, it’s best to prioritize your family. In addition to that, pace yourself, and don’t overwork.”
Throughout her life after college, Sanz hoped for the right place to come along, her home away from home. Victor just so happened to be this place for her. While it is her 24th year overall teaching, her recent 20 years have been here at Victor. Being at Victor gives her a “sense of comfort.” Over the years, she’s adopted great relationships and friendships with many people. Her love for teaching grows every day, she mentions.
As you can tell, there is a lot to learn and appreciate about Mrs. Sanzotta. She is not only sweet and energetic, but she is also encouraging, and certaintly an extremely dedicated teacher. This all contributes to how, and why, she is one of the best teachers in the district.
