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REconnecting with faculty emeritus Guillermo Urbina

If you took French or Spanish at RE between 1992 and 2020, it’s more than likely you were taught by Guillermo Urbina. He taught both languages at many levels, was department chair and served as Dean of the 10th Grade.
RE: Tell us about yourself.
GU: I was born in Costa Rica. As a child I lived in Chile, Argentina, Venezuela and Nicaragua. I learned English in Cambridge, England. I attended the Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium where I got a BS in Economics. All my studies were in the French language. I worked in banking for many years until I decided to change careers and start teaching. Before I did so, I got an MA in Hispanic Studies at FIU in 1987.
 
RE: When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?
GU: In 1985 I knew that I wanted to become a teacher.
 
RE: How did you come to work at RE?
GU: Since I have always considered Ransom Everglades a teacher’s paradise, I felt very fortunate to have found the school. For me, the whole RE experience was truly amazing. 
 
RE: Can you share any funny stories?
GU: I have many funny student stories. One of the most memorable is when I told students to turn in an assignment or study hard for test, I used to tell them if you don’t, “Quiquiribumandinga.” Students loved this expression to the point that when I see them nowadays, they always remember it.
 
RE: What do you miss the most about RE?
GU: I do miss teaching. I was always very involved in RE with the students, from giving extra help before and after school as well as advising students whenever my help was needed.
 
RE: What have you been up to in retirement?
GU: I am very busy teaching myself Italian and Latin. I read daily in French, English and Spanish. I also take time to keep up with current events, as well as writing and doing historical research.
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Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. It is rated the top private school in Miami and among the 10 private schools in North America. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.


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