The Official Student-Run Newspaper of California High School

The Californian

The Official Student-Run Newspaper of California High School

The Californian

The Official Student-Run Newspaper of California High School

The Californian

Dickenson taught students about life

Margarita Dickenson passed away on April 7. The Cal High teacher left behind a husband and three sons, friends, and countless students as she lost her fight with liver cancer.

I met Mrs. Dickenson in my freshman year, the first class of the day. Even at 7:30 a.m., Spanish was fun to learn, since our teacher was so an animated and avid. She taught us to dance the flamenco and the salsa. Her smile lit up the room, and her passion for teaching inspired her students to learn.

Spanish class became the best period of the day. It didn’t matter if we were studying grammar or working on a new set of vocabulary. Learning was never a chore. Instead, it became exciting when our class went outside on a sunny day and had races between teams of students who held cards with new words.
These lessons extended beyond the classroom. I spent extra time looking up verbs and vocabulary. It was as if through her eyes, the world became more interesting. Every moment was an opportunity learn.

More than teaching Spanish, Mrs. Dickenson was an example to her students of how to live life. She continued to teach, even in the last months of her life, so she could see her students. Her strength is an example to all.
World Language room eight became a home, and our classes became families. We shared stories and jokes, and everyone knew that if they needed help or just wanted to talk, then Mrs. Dickenson would be there.

She took time to get to know every one of us, and did her best to help us thrive. She made her students feel important and loved.
I was in Mrs. Dickenson’s class for the three years that she taught at Cal. She was my favorite teacher and I’ll miss her very much. I couldn’t wait for our discussions after class about academics, language, or even about movies.

On our semester final this year, Mrs. Dickenson asked students a few questions, in order test our speaking abilities. They were specific to each student, but she finished each interview with, “What’s something I don’t know about you?”

I drew a blank. I couldn’t think of anything that Mrs. Dickenson didn’t know about me. I’m so lucky for that.
Señora Dickenson will live on in the hearts and memories of her students. She has taught us so much not only about Spanish, but about ourselves and how beautiful life really is.

Editorial by staff writer Courtney Carlson.

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    Valerie CasparianAug 16, 2012 at 10:01 am

    Beautiful tribute to a teacher my freshman (2012-2013) will never get to know.

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