Have you seen the teacher on the third floor who has a unique sense of style? You might find her in a colorful fluffy top or a bright summer dress. Ms. Cristina Sobremazas, known both as Ms. Cristina and Ms. Sobremazas, is one of our two Spanish teachers and she is described as both friendly and strict. Read to find out more about her.
- How long have you been here at Mission teaching?
This is my 3rd year and I love it!
- What do you like about Mission?
I love teaching at Mission because the students are motivated, hardworking, intelligent, artistic, and respectful. My colleagues are supportive, friendly and very involved with the school community. I feel that all the staff at Mission High School, not only teachers, are very helpful and friendly.
- Was being a teacher what you wanted to do when you were younger?
I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to be when I was younger. I only knew I wanted to travel and live in the U.S.A., so, after graduating from college in Spain, I applied for an au-pair job in California.
I lived with a wonderful family in Menlo Park and enrolled in English classes at Foothill College in Palo Alto. While I was in college I started to help some of my classmates with Spanish homework and realized that I could be a good Spanish teacher.
I transferred to Sonoma State University and moved to Santa Rosa, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Spanish and also my single-subject teaching credential.
As an educator, I believe we, teachers, make a difference in our community. We inspire, help and guide kids in their academic success. That is the main reason why I love what I do everyday of my life.
- Where in Spain are you from?
I was raised in a beautiful coastal town in the north of Spain, Santander. My childhood memories are at the beach with my brother, cousins, uncles, aunts and my parents. I love swimming in the ocean and going for walks at the beach.
That is why I love living in San Francisco, it reminds me of my hometown. One of my favorite things to do in my free time is picking up sand dollars at Ocean Beach. I strongly believe the ocean breeze not only relaxes you but also takes all your stress away.
- Where would you want to travel if you could go anywhere in the world?
Australia! Since I was little I always dreamed of visiting Australia. I would love to go with my children one day.
- Do you have a favorite Spanish food from Spain?
Paella is my favorite food from Spain. Paella is a popular dish, whose main ingredients are rice, vegetables, meat and shellfish. It is soooo good!!
Luckily, I have friends in San Francisco that are from Valencia and make the best paellas in the world.
- What is something you miss from Spain?
I miss my family and friends mainly but I also miss my favorite places in my hometown like restaurants, La Viga and La Casona. Everytime I visit Santander, my friends and I go to these restaurants to have lunch or dinner. I also miss my beautiful beach in Liencres where I swim and watch the local surfers surfing in the Cantabrian Sea.
- Did you think you would teach Spanish in school or something else?
I love teaching Spanish, but if I had to teach another subject, it would be History.
History was my favorite class when I was in high school. My history teacher was wonderful and taught me how to appreciate and understand this subject. I had to study a great deal, reading and summarizing, memorizing a lot of dates and names.
History helps you understand a lot of things that are happening nowadays.
If you want to learn some slang from Spain or need travel tips, visit Ms. Cristina in room 309. She is more than enthusiastic to share.
