Panama here we come!

Hello Glimpsers!

My name is Yvette Iglesia, and I am an educator at the Bronx Center for Science and Math in the Bronx. At BCSM, I serve as the school librarian, testing coordinator, and teacher of College and Career classes. I have been an educator for approximately 17 years and enjoy supporting students in a variety of ways throughout their educational journey. I am super excited to have the opportunity to be part of an educational journey to Chitré, Panama, this August.

I am a proud Puerto Rican who was born and raised on the Lower East Side of New York City and now live in the Bronx. I spent much of my childhood traveling to Puerto Rico, which sparked my love of travel and learning about different cultures.

This will be my third trip abroad with students. In the past, I’ve traveled to Nicaragua and Haiti with another organization to help build schools. Those trips were unforgettable. We stayed in remote communities with no electricity or running water, which definitely pushed us out of our comfort zones. But the experience taught us so much about teamwork, gratitude, and the power of community. It reminded us that some of the most meaningful experiences come from the people you meet and the connections you make.

Now I’m getting ready for a whole new adventure in Chitré, Panama, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you! I’m excited to learn more about the culture, listen to the music, meet new people, and, of course, try lots of delicious food. I hope you’ll follow along as I share my experiences. See you in Panama!