Crossing the Valley

Trino and I in Guanajuato, 2000

INTRODUCTION

I first met Trino four years ago when I signed up for a Spring Break 2000 trip at Phoenix College which was sponsored by Maricopa Community Colleges. The trip was to México City for 3 days and Acapulco for 4 days. I had heard of and seen Trino on campus at Phoenix College, as I was completing my general requirements there and had taken an interest in learning Spanish. We briefly talked on the trip, he was nice. Our paths again crossed when I signed up for a 5-week Spanish immersion trip to Guanajuato, México that same year in July. I was terrified of going. I had even called Trino to cancel my participation because I was so afraid. I used every excuse in the book to not go, but Trino finally convinced me it would be okay. I am so glad that I went, it was the best experience of my life, thanks to Trino. We had the opportunity to get to know each other a little better during the five week trip. He was/is an excellent Spanish teacher and full of knowledge about the colonial city we were staying in.

Our friendship has continued to grow over the years and he continues to this day to call and check up on me and to see how my classes are going. He has been extremely supportive of my education, he is my mentor and very good friend.

We met for the interview at my condo in central Phoenix. It was early evening on a Sunday just the two of us and my six cats. We were sitting in the living room on the couch facing each other. I had prepared a list of questions for us to go through and I was ready with my laptop.

Trino's Interview

 

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