When students walk into Room B11, they know they’re stepping into more than just a Spanish class. For Ms. Marín, teaching is about blending creativity, culture and real-world connections. Over the years, she has guided students through countless projects, but one stands out as her favorite.
“My favorite project is creating Day of the Dead altars,” Marín said. “This project is very engaging and students get very creative. They usually create awesome projects that are very colorful and meaningful.”
For students, the altar project isn’t just another assignment—it’s an opportunity to honor tradition, showcase artistry and gain a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture. The vibrant colors, symbolic decorations and personal touches help bring history to life.
But Marín’s influence goes beyond the classroom. She encourages her students to get involved in cultural enrichment opportunities such as the Hispanic Honor Society, which is open to anyone interested in celebrating Hispanic heritage.
“To anyone who is interested in getting involved in the Hispanic Honors Society, here are some answers,” Marín said. “We recently had a table at Club Rush and students that requested more information will be contacted in the next few weeks. If anyone is still interested in joining but didn’t get to sign up, they can stop by room B11 for more information or an application. We usually have monthly meetings and participate in school activities like the homecoming parade.”
For those looking to sharpen their Spanish outside of school, Marín believes immersion is key.
“Full immersion—that is the best way to practice your skills,” she said. “Watching TV shows in Spanish, listening to music in Spanish, or talking to native Spanish speakers are great options. You can also use apps like Duolingo to practice grammar and reading skills.”
She also encourages students who want to pursue Spanish beyond high school to seek out opportunities for travel and community involvement.
“My advice for students that want to pursue a career involving Spanish or Latin cultures would be to travel to as many Hispanic countries as they can,” Marín said. “If traveling is not an option, then searching for community involvement opportunities in Hispanic events.”
Marín also loves introducing students to cultural traditions that may not be as widely known. One of her favorites is La Noche de los Rábanos (The Night of the Radishes), celebrated in Oaxaca, Mexico, every December 23.
“It’s a festival where people carve giant radishes into detailed sculptures—sometimes of nativity scenes, traditional dances, famous buildings or legends,” Marín explained. “Most students know about Día de los Muertos or Las Posadas, but this unique event blends agriculture, art and storytelling in an unforgettable way.”
As for AP Spanish, Marín envisions projects that take creativity to the next level. Whether it’s producing podcasts, making short films or creating interactive games, she believes students should have chances to explore authentic voices and cultures while practicing language skills.
From classroom projects to cultural festivals, Marín’s passion for teaching goes far beyond vocabulary lists and verb conjugations. For her, Spanish is about connection, creativity and culture—and she’s always finding new ways to help her students experience it all.
