ISBN 978-612-03-2556-8

Reseña

This book stems from a life lived to the fullest, rooted in a profound conviction: life is not something to be endured, but to be actively managed. Every day begins at dawn, with that “heroic minute” that sets the tone for everything that follows. I firmly believe that discipline, joy, and faith are not abstract concepts; they are concrete choices, renewed minute by minute. My life is built upon this certainty: every single minute is either an opportunity or a loss, and I choose to make it count.
From a very young age, I discovered my passion for teaching. It was never just about transmitting knowledge, but about sparking enthusiasm, motivating others, and helping everyone discover the very best of themselves. This calling was born early, nurtured by the example of my parents, and forged in practice—working, studying, and teaching all at once. I learned that memory, sensitivity, curiosity, and hope are powerful tools when placed at the service of learning.
My path was neither easy nor conventional. I grew up in a complex world: a society bound by rigid conventions, an era when women were expected to stop working once married, and years defined by dictatorship, economic crisis, terrorism, and deep uncertainty. Yet, I never believed those circumstances should dictate my limits. It was always clear to me that systems must serve people, not the other way around, and that changing, adapting, and reinventing oneself is not just possible—it is vital.
That is how Nido Casuarinas was born, organically and close to the ground, in my own garage. We had few resources but an overwhelming passion. I started by knocking on doors, winning over mothers, painting chairs, designing spaces, and teaching English at a time when doing so felt like an act of rebellion. Four children marked the beginning of a life's work that would grow far beyond anything I could have imagined. Every setback became an opportunity to think differently, to create solutions, and to forge ahead even in the face of fear or opposition.
I learned early on that problems are not to be put off: you face them, unpack them, write them out, analyze them, and resolve them. Procrastination only magnifies them. Resolving them, however, makes us more creative, more intelligent, and sharper strategists. This mindset has stayed with me always, guiding both my personal and professional life.
As the preschool grew, it naturally paved the way for the school. I realized that education does not end in early childhood, and that my mission was to guide students through an all-encompassing academic and personal development. Casuarinas College was founded on that exact vision: to educate is not to fill minds, but to cultivate human beings; it is not to impose, but to inspire; it is not to repeat, but to awaken curiosity. Education must be dynamic, joyful, rigorous, and deeply human.
From the very start, I knew a school is a true community. Parents, teachers, and students form a network of trust and shared commitment. That is why I always championed continuous teacher training, pedagogical innovation, and staying ahead of the curve. I traveled, observed, and studied, bringing home cutting-edge ideas long before people were talking about neuroscience, metacognition, or the development of thinking skills. We adopted international standards, the International Baccalaureate, and rigorous quality certifications—not for prestige, but because I believed, and still believe, that our students deserve nothing less than the best.
None of this would have been possible without a deeply committed team—people who knew how to draw out the best in every child, like bees seeking the nectar in every flower. My role has always been to motivate, to challenge, to support, and to lead by example. To lead is not to command; it is to serve, to shape, to inspire, and to teach others how to navigate life with sound judgment and unwavering values.
This book is not merely the history of an educational institution; it is the narrative of a philosophy of life. It is an invitation to move past complaints, to embrace change without fear, to trust in your own potential, to work with joy, to never stop learning, and to find a way to smile even through hardship. Because, in the end, life—with all its challenges—will always yield a harvest if you choose to live it with faith, enthusiasm, and a clear purpose.