MEET THE DEPARTING EDUCATOR — Fatma Cara Alexander Gondal, Reading And Language Mastery Teacher

Welcome to the first post in our Departing Educator series, honoring educators who came to the United States and MAS Charter School from other countries to teach in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, a time-limited exchange visa for educators.

As Ms. Gondal’s J-1 visa term comes to an end, she is wrapping up a five-year chapter in the U.S. and preparing to return to the Philippines, with plans to spend time in Pakistan as she reconnects with her heritage. During her time at MAS, she supported general elementary and special education students as a Reading and Language Mastery Teacher, and she built relationships that made New Mexico feel like home. Meet Ms. Gondal in their own words…

MAS: Let’s start at the beginning… Where are you from, and where are you headed next?

MS. GONDAL: I am originally from the Philippines, and although most of my family is already in Los Angeles, California, I plan to return to the Philippines. I am also planning to reconnect more with my Pakistani heritage, since I am mixed, so I may spend some time in Pakistan as well.

MAS: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at MAS?

MS. GONDAL: One of my favorite memories from my time at MAS was the relationships and friendships I built with coworkers, students, and families. MAS became a place where I grew tremendously both professionally and personally. It is also where I met my spouse, which made my journey even more meaningful and unforgettable.

MAS: What will you miss most about your experience at MAS?

MS. GONDAL: I will miss the students, my coworkers, and the supportive environment at MAS. It was a place where I grew tremendously as an educator and as a person. I will always be grateful for the friendships, memories, and experiences I gained throughout my journey there.

MAS: What will you miss most about your time in the U.S.?

MS. GONDAL: I will miss the friendships, the opportunities, and the experiences I gained during my time in the U.S. I will also miss traveling, meeting people from different backgrounds, and the life I built here over the last five years with my husband, friends, and colleagues.

MAS: While you were in the U.S., did you travel? If so, what were some of your favorite destinations?

MS. GONDAL: Yes, I traveled a lot during my five years in the U.S. I have visited Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Wales, apart from my frequent visits to Los Angeles where my family resides and my friends in New York. I have also been to many states along both the East and West Coast. Traveling and experiencing different cultures has been one of the most memorable parts of my journey.

MAS: What advice would you offer to others who are coming to teach in the U.S.?

MS. GONDAL: Take everything as a learning opportunity. Be open to mastering new skills, adapting to different environments, and respecting different cultures and heritages. Teaching in the U.S. can challenge you in many ways, but it also helps you grow both professionally and personally. Build meaningful relationships, stay humble, and enjoy the journey.

MAS: What are your plans for work when you return home?

MS. GONDAL: I plan to go back to school and pursue a different career path. Most of my family members work in healthcare, and over the years I have become very interested in nursing. Hopefully, in the future, I would like to continue further and eventually become a medical doctor.

MAS: What are a few things you are most looking forward to doing or eating when you get to where you are going next?

MS. GONDAL: I am looking forward to getting back to the hobbies I had to set aside while living in the desert. I am a certified diver, so I definitely plan on diving again with my co-Coast Guard Army Reservist friends, since I used to be one as well. I also look forward to surfing, spending time on the islands, and enjoying the ocean again. Most of all, I cannot wait to eat fresh seafood and home-cooked Filipino food. And of course, I am excited to be warm all year round and enjoy summer almost every day.

MAS: Do you have any plans to return to the United States to visit or work in the future?

MS. GONDAL: Yes, definitely. I am married to someone from the U.S., so I will definitely be coming back in the future to visit family and friends. I am also open to possibly working here again someday if the opportunity comes.

MAS: Last question: What was your favorite restaurant in Albuquerque and what was your go-to order?

MS. GONDAL: My favorite restaurant in Albuquerque is Mac’s Steak in the Rough (4515 Menaul Blvd. NE; Albuquerque, NM 87110). My go-to order was usually the steak fingers with fries and toast. It became one of my comfort meals while living in New Mexico.

From all of us at MAS, thank you, Ms. Gondal, for the care and skill you brought to Reading and Language Mastery at our Yale campus. Your work and presence strengthened our school community, and we wish you safe travels and continued growth as you return to the Philippines make plans for the next step in your remarkable life. You will always have a place in the MAS family!