MEET THE DEPARTING EDUCATOR — Ms. Eden Delposo, LPT, M.Ed., 1st/2nd Grade Physical Education Teacher

In August 2021, Ms. Eden Delposo arrived at MAS Charter School from the Philippines to teach in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, a time-limited exchange visa for educators. With her visa term ending, she is preparing to leave the U.S. and head home after five years with our Physical Education Team.

At our Yale campus, Ms. Delposo taught physical education for 1st and 2nd grade and also coached the MAS Bulls cross country team and track and field team. As you'll read below, she grew up in the Camotes Islands, a group of islands in the Camotes Sea. She looks forward to beaches, family time, and Filipino food when she returns home. She also looks forward to continuing her teaching and coaching work.

Meet Ms. Delposo in their own words…

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

MS. DELPOSO: I grew up in Camotes Islands, a beautiful island in the southern part of the Philippines, surrounded by stunning beaches and natural caves. I will be returning to the Philippines.

MAS: When you think back on MAS, what do you want to carry with you?

MS. DELPOSO: I will miss the entire MAS community, including the teachers and students. MAS helped me gain knowledge and grow as a person and as an educator. I feel grateful for the friendships and experiences I gained.

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

MS. DELPOSO: One of my favorite destinations was the Telluride Gondola in Colorado. The views of the mountains felt unforgettable, and the trip helped me feel refreshed. I also enjoyed visiting the canyons in Arizona because of their natural beauty and scenery.

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

MS. DELPOSO: Bring a lot of courage. You will step out of your comfort zone and spend time away from your family, and that can feel hard at first. Staying open-minded, resilient, and willing to adapt can help you adjust and grow personally and professionally.

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

MS. DELPOSO: I plan to continue teaching in a private school in the Philippines. I will also continue coaching track and field athletes because I care about that work and want to keep growing in that role.

MAS: What are a few things you’re most looking forward to doing or eating when you get back to the Philippines?

MS. DELPOSO: I'm looking forward to spending more time at the beach with my family. I cannot wait for adobo (chicken or pork braised in a tangy sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns, often served over rice), sisig (meat seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers), lumpia (spring rolls with sweet or savory fillings), and pancit (stir-fried rice noodles with sauce, pork, and vegetables). I am also excited for lechon (slow-roasted pork) and unlimited fresh seafood. Most of all, I look forward to quality time with my family, especially my elderly parents.

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

MS. DELPOSO: Yes. After serving in the Philippines for two years, I plan to return to the United States to teach again and keep building my experience in education.

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

MS. DELPOSO: I really like The Basil Leaf in Albuquerque. My go-to order is their pho, along with rice dishes. I usually stick with meals that come with rice because they feel filling and comforting. Rice is life.

From all of us at MAS, thank you, Ms. Delposo, for the energy and care you brought to students at our Yale campus, both in the gym and on the athletic fields. We wish you safe travels back to the Philippines, good time with family, and steady success as you continue teaching and coaching.