MEET THE DEPARTING EDUCATOR — Ms. Cherish May E. Rosete, Kindergarten Reading and Language Mastery Teacher, Special Education Teacher

Today’s post is part of our Departing Educator series, honoring team members who came to MAS from other countries to teach in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, a time-limited exchange visa for educators. As Ms. Rosete’s J-1 visa term ends, she will be leaving the U.S. and returning to the Philippines after joining our team in the summer of 2021.

During her five years at MAS, Ms. Rosete supported early readers through Reading and Language Mastery, starting with 1st grade at our Yale campus and later teaching kindergarten at the Old Coors campus. She also found a second family here, including fellow Filipinos and the Reading Mastery Team at Old Coors, and she carries those relationships with her as she heads home.

Meet Ms. Rosete in their own words…

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

MS. ROSETE: I am from the Philippines, and that’s where I will be returning to.

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

MS. ROSETE: Some of the most memorable parts of my 5-year journey as a J-1 teacher in America are the relationships I built, the students whose lives I became part of, and the growth I experienced both professionally and personally. Teaching in a different country taught me resilience, independence, and courage. Most importantly, I will cherish the moments with my students, their progress, their smiles, their successes, and knowing that I became part of their learning journey. Beyond teaching academics, I learned how to adapt to a new culture, overcome homesickness, and continue showing up every day with passion and dedication.

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

MS. ROSETE: What I will miss most at are the relationships I built throughout my journey. I met fellow Filipinos from different parts of the Philippines who became more than coworkers. They became my family while I was away from my own parents and siblings. I will also deeply miss the Reading Mastery Team at Old Coors. The relationships we built were grounded in collaboration, shared ideas, and the same passion for student success.

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

MS. ROSETE: Yes. I did travel during my stay in the United States, and I would say my favorite is Key West, Florida. I love simplicity, a tranquil environment, and natural things, which is why I fell in love with Key West. I love the island vibe, the colorful streets, and the warm tropical breeze that feels like home in the Philippines. It’s the kind of place where everything slows down, and you can breathe, relax, and enjoy the moment. I’ve visited other cities too, and each one has its own charm, but Key West is the one that stayed with me.

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

MS. ROSETE: Come with an open heart and a willingness to grow. Be ready to embrace a new culture, different teaching styles, and diverse people, while staying true to who you are. Build genuine relationships with colleagues and within your community, because these connections will become your support system away from home. Stay resilient during challenging times, especially when you feel homesick or overwhelmed, and remember your purpose for being here. Be strategic with your hard-earned money and take time to reward yourself and travel when you can. Take every experience as a learning opportunity. The journey may not always be easy, but it will shape you in ways that help you grow as a professional and as a person.

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

MS. ROSETE: My plan is to continue working in education and apply the skills, strategies, and experiences I gained as a teacher in the United States. I hope to support student growth and development, while sharing best practices I learned abroad. I also want to keep growing professionally, explore opportunities for career advancement, and stay open to roles where I can make an impact in the lives of learners.

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

MS. ROSETE: I am excited to reunite with my family and spend simple time with them again. I also look forward to Filipino food, especially home-cooked dishes that remind me of my roots. I am excited to be back in familiar places and culture, and the sense of belonging that only home can give.

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

MS. ROSETE: Yes, I would love to return to the United States in the future, whether to visit or possibly work again.

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

MS. ROSETE: My favorite restaurant in Albuquerque is Seasons 52 (6600 Menaul Blvd.). It has been part of some of the biggest milestones in my life, including my engagement with my husband, and our first to third wedding anniversary celebrations. I always look forward to their flatbread appetizer, especially the Roasted Tomato Flatbread.

From all of us at MAS, thank you, Ms. Rosete, for the care you brought to our early readers and for the relationships you built across our school community. We wish you safe travels back to the Philippines and all the best in the work and life ahead.