Brown County High School students will have a new Spanish teacher starting this semester. The Brown County Schools Board of Trustees unanimously approved Pedro De Leon Mejia to replace retiring teacher Teresa Hendey on Dec. 5.

High school Principal Matt Stark told the board that Mejia is originally from the Dominican Republic and is teaching in the United States using a J1 visa. The J1 visa program allows teachers to come from out of the country to teach here.

“We’re very excited,” Stark said.

Mejia’s native language is Spanish, and he also knows French along with English. “He has come in as well and observed a little bit. He was having great conversations with some of our Spanish students,” Stark said.

The Democrat asked Mejia to fill out a Q&A so the community could get to know him.

Q: Where did you work before coming here?

A: Before coming to the United States I worked for the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic.

Q: What made you decide to be a teacher?

A: I decided to become a teacher because I think this is a profession that allows me to help young people understand everyone can be successful in life and have a bright future if they work hard to achieve their dreams and that no matter what happens, giving up is not a choice to make.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this year?

A: My goal for the current school year is that my students understand the importance and benefits of learning a second language, and as a result they work hard to develop communicative skills in Spanish that will give them better opportunities for their future.

Q: What is one thing you want your students to know about you?

A: I want them to know that I am resilient.