This was the first week back at school after Christmas Break, so the obvious choice for our first People of Dalton of 2023 was to celebrate Dalton educator, Nubia Ruiz. Education has always played a big part in Nubia’s story – that is why she ended up teaching first grade at Eastside Elementary, years after being a student at that very same school.
“My parents, Ramona Moncayo and Adolfo Federico, moved from Mexico to Dalton, where they raised our family. After I graduated high school, I left Dalton to find myself at college. However, when visiting home during one semester break, I volunteered to teach an art class at Eastside, where I attended elementary school as a kid. It was after that experience I knew that I should take my mother’s advice and study education. I transferred to Dalton State College to attend their education program. After I graduated, I accepted a position at Eastside, where I now teach first-graders. That was seven years ago, and I still am just as happy today as I was back then!
I know the future of Dalton is in my classroom. That’s why I hope to inspire my students to give back to their community, just like I learned to do when I was in their seat. I want my students to know that education goes beyond learning how to add and subtract; it is how to present yourself, use your manners, and be kind. Education is about the little things. Education is about making a difference.
Every day I teach, I hope to make a small difference in my students’ lives as well as the lives of their parents. I’ve noticed that being bilingual helps to ease the anxiety parents have about coming into school to help their children. I see myself in the little girls that translate for their moms, because that was me! I want to be able to help bridge that language gap and help families feel less anxious about coming to the school and being involved – because parents need to be involved in education too! I think Eastside has done a great job helping parents feel welcome, and I want my students’ parents to know that I can’t do my job without them.
I had the opportunity to leave Dalton with my husband, Pablo, who I’ve been married to for the last seven years. With him being in the military, he said that I had the option to move anywhere in the world I wanted. Even San Diego, where he was stationed at the time. But I still chose to come back home to Dalton. It just felt right. Here is where my family is. Even after my mother’s passing last year, Dalton still helps me to feel close to her.
I also love that in Dalton, there is a little bit of something for everyone. There is so much opportunity. Even my own family was able to open their business, Paleteria Y Neveria Michoacan. Even more, Dalton is very accepting of different cultures; we are so diverse. Even though it is a small town, a lot of people know each other very well and are always willing to jump in and help whenever needed. Dalton helped my parents, who helped me, and now I can help my students through their education. That is why Dalton is home.”