Where do I begin?? While I am not sure if I have any genetic link, I was first, and remain, connected to Spanish and the amazing people I have encountered through mi corazón. Many years ago in middle school, after meeting Marta S., a recent immigrant from Cuba, and with whom I became best friends, I decided to learn Spanish.  The rest is both “history” and a mystery as to why this is my preferred language – perhaps the sheer beauty of it!  Professionally, I have always had the privilege of teaching students who speak Spanish.  However, about 10 years ago, a colleague and I saw the need to validate the Latino identity of our school and pushed to start a Heritage program.  Our administration judged our rationale to be sound and thus was born Spanish 2HL.  Over the years, we have convinced the admin to continue their support by creating upper levels courses and professional development on our end.  Added bonus, we have seen more Latino students “representing” in the AP class we offer.  Additionally, our program has provided an avenue for success for the Seal of Biliteracy Test thus giving the students the credibility they need to earn college credit AND claim their “bilingualness”.  As I near retirement (2025), I would like to leave the program in loving hands – love for the language and most importantly, love for the students porque como decimos en clase, somos familia.