Feature Photo By: Alexis Drummond – Mrs. Galindo smiles as she begins teaching her third period Spanish literacy for Spanish speakers class. “I do love her class and think she’s an amazing teacher who definitely makes Spanish amazing,” said one of Galindo’s student’s, freshman Joshua Alvarez.
At the end of the school year, there are a lot of goodbyes thrown around the school. With the senior class leaving, we get to see many individuals grow, but we also get to see teachers move on as well.
This year, staff and students have to say goodbye to one of our Spanish teachers: Mrs. Bridget Galindo.
Mrs. Galindo has taught for 18 years — one year in Commerce City, five years at Hinkley, and 12 years here at Rangeview. Galindo started off teaching English as a second language, then moved onto teaching Spanish at Hinkley. Now, she is ending her teaching career teaching Spanish and French.
At first, Mrs. Galindo didn’t know she wanted to be a teacher.
“I needed a job and health insurance, so I applied,” said Mrs. Galindo. “I didn’t find out ’til later that it was what I was meant to do.”
Mrs. Galindo has made connections with many of the students who either graduated here, or currently go here.
“For me personally she has helped me academically a lot,” said Joshua Alvarez, freshman. “Usually, I have tons of questions about any of the topics in class that I may not fully understand so she takes the time to answer each of my questions with me personally so I can better understand and learn. Not just that but she also uses her own valuable time to give back; she wrote me a letter just thanking me for being a good student and person in her class and I really appreciated it.”
Mrs. Galindo comes to work everyday hoping to express herself and impact her students to be themselves.
“I would have to say she did impact my life in the best way ever, she made me view life in such a positive way and to always just make a joke out of something to find joy in any situation,” said Armando Moreno, a senior.
After teaching at Rangeview, Mrs. Galindo would go to sponsor the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) club. In this club, students would focus on college opportunities.
Many people may not know, but Mrs. Galindo’s health hasn’t been at full strength. Mrs. Galindo was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) when she was younger.
MS is a disease where the body’s immune system targets and eats the protective myelin sheath on the nerves.
“MS just takes a lot of energy away from me, so it’s been more difficult to stay on my feet all day,” said Galindo. “Near the end of the day, it’s hard to maintain conversations and so in terms of all the things a teacher needs to keep track of: planning and grading and assessing, it has just become too difficult for me to keep up with.”
Despite her condition, Mrs. Galindo gets through every school day with a smile on her face.
“Not only does she keep on a big smile no matter what, but she has the patience and confidence, but also more importantly the passion to teach,” said Alvarez. “There are a lot of teachers out there who don’t have the passion and gratitude to truly teach, but Mrs. Galindo does.”
When Mrs. Galindo officially retires, she is going to focus on becoming a Jeopardy! champion, she said: “There is a position awaiting me as a full time Jeopardy! Champion.”
