Do you remember the relief you felt leaving high school knowing you’d never have to study a foreign language again? I do too! That is until I decided to pursue a degree in journalism. I’m going to be honest, the fact that this degree required the study of a foreign language almost made me reconsider my choice! However, after long deliberation, I decided to take Spanish. But, before choosing my class I asked around, to other students, about the teachers. I began to notice a striking pattern: every student said “take Boncho!” I looked up Boncho Dragiyski, an Assistant Professor of Spanish, on the school’s website and saw that his class fit into my schedule. So hesitantly, I followed their advice.
I soon understood why the students had recommended Boncho. Upon my first step into his classroom he greeted me, “Hola, you must be Carrie.” I was floored. He already knew all of our names before the first class and he didn’t need help remembering them! Clearly the most engaged and enthusiastic teacher I had ever had in my college career.
It’s not just me; Boncho is both respected and adored by many of his students. It’s nearly impossible to find Boncho alone, whether it’s in the hallway after class or in his office. One day I asked Boncho about his thoughts on teaching. He made it obvious that he’s really invested and not just teaching for the paycheck.
“The most rewarding aspect of my job as an educator is knowing that somewhere somehow I have been able to make a difference in these students’ lives, my students are the heart of my passion,” Boncho said. “My experiences with students have been unforgettable, I remember all of my students’ names.”
Likewise, Boncho’s students would agree that their experiences with him have also been unforgettable. His positive attitude that radiated in the classroom is something I will remember forever.
In Boncho’s class I never felt that speaking Spanish was a struggle or an excuse to be humiliated, like I had in other classes. His flamboyant and encouraging nature made me actually want to attend class everyday (and remember this was a summer class!) Boncho’s colorful and extroverted personality made learning Spanish fun and effortless.
It didn’t’t take me long to realize that Boncho was becoming my favorite teacher. Not only was he an excellent teacher, but he was a great person. I found myself hoping that we would stay in touch even after class was over.
Today, I frequently visit Boncho to give him updates on my Spanish classes, ask him for help with homework and sometimes I even stop by to just chat. Boncho has never forgotten my name and his enthusiasm for life and teaching has still not subsided. I can honestly say that if I were aspiring to be a teacher, I would aim to be just like Boncho.
I still can’t believe that I found a Spanish teacher that made learning Spanish painless and gave me the confidence to pursue my degree!
Muchas Gracias, Boncho.
