CHARLES SCHELL — At the end of this winter break, Señora Susana Epstein will leave Collegiate for a semester-long sabbatical. Señora Epstein has taught at Collegiate for twenty-six years. A backbone of not just the language department but also the greater Collegiate community, Señora Epstein is admired within the student body and respected by her colleagues. Señora Epstein teaches Spanish in 5th, 6th, 10th, and 12th grade with experience and knowledge of what helps her students succeed. Students look forward to class with Señora Epstein as she always brings energy and passion. She is famous for drilling conjugations with her students by throwing a foam ball (la pelota) around the classroom — whoever catches the ball is expected to answer her question. James Carlock ‘23 notes that “la pelota is a great activity that not only engages me in the topic but also makes me want to learn.”
During her sabbatical, Señora Epstein will take a world art history program at the Smithsonian. Art is one of Señora’s many passions as she was originally an Art History major during her studies in Argentina before moving on to Language and Literature. Señora Epstein brings this educational interest into the classrooms and curriculum as her 6th and 10th grade classes research and present on important Spanish artists such as Francisco de Zurbarán and El Greco. Señora’s course at the Smithsonian will require her to leave New York City and travel to Washington D.C. Noting that she had stayed in New York for the past two years due to the Covid pandemic, Señora states: “some travel outside of the city would be very refreshing.” In addition to travelling to Washington D.C., Señora Epstein will visit Malta where her husband is a Fullbright scholar from Rutgers University. She will then travel to London to visit her youngest son who just finished his PhD. However, Señora Epstein notes that it will be difficult to stay away from Collegiate.
The Collegiate community has been the focus of her professional career for the last 26 years, so spending time away from the community she calls home will be a novel experience. Señora Epstein laments the fact that she will have to be away from her advisees. Señora has spent the past three years as a 10th through 12th grade advisor connecting with her advisees — leaving them will be truly difficult. Señora Epstein points out that her advisee and student connections have enriched her life outside Collegiate. Invited to weddings, baby showers, and casual conversations over coffee, Señora savors the connections and lasting relationships she forms with her students. Similarly, students will also miss her. Thomas Phillip ‘23, one of Señora Epstein’s advisees, remarks that he will “greatly miss Señora’s energy and genuine care” when she leaves for sabbatical. Sam Friedman ‘22, who is in Señora Epstein’s 12th grade class, comments that “Señora’s departure will leave a gaping hole in our community.” Aside from travel, Señora Epstein is looking forward to reading and spending time with her family this winter in Manchester, Vermont. Adding that she will be a frequent visitor at the local Northshire Bookstore. In essence, Señora Epstein said, “I plan on reading, travelling, and pursuing my interest in art.”
Even as we say goodbye to Señora Epstein for the upcoming spring, we look forward to welcoming her back to 301 Freedom Place South in the fall and eagerly await hearing about all of her adventures.
¡Buena suerte Señora!
The Dutch Report 