Jackie Villanueva is in a good place. A graduate of Barry University in Miami, where she majored in elementary education, Jackie teaches fourth grade at McDeeds Creek Elementary.
There was a brief time when she considered working with animals in some capacity, but, from an early age, teaching was her first choice.
“When I was little, I would line up my stuffed animals,” Jackie said. “They were my students.”
In her ninth year as a teacher, she’s in her second year teaching fourth grade. Born in Peru, Jackie can’t think of another role that would be a better fit.
“I just don’t see myself out of the classroom,” she said. “This is who I am.”
After moving to the U.S., Jackie and her mom eventually settled in Miami, where she started her formal education. Her dad – an American citizen – died when Jackie, an only child, was 1.
“My mom had some friends in Miami,” Jackie, who also has a master’s in elementary education from Barry University, said. “That’s pretty much where I grew up. I went to school there all the way until college.”
A cousin, who was a few years older than Jackie, came from South America with the mother-daughter duo. To keep things running, Jackie’s mom worked multiple jobs. That effort was key in Jackie becoming the first in her family to graduate from college.
While Miami was her first home in America, Jackie was quick to come to Moore County when an opportunity emerged.
“I reached out to our principal (Dr. Molly Capps),” she said. “She was the first one to reach back. She’s the best principal I’ve ever had.”
At McDeeds Creek, Jackie focuses on reaching those she instructs. It’s one of her strong points.
“I connect with my students and build relationships,” she said. “They go beyond the classroom.”
The connections made seem to last.
“Former students come down to see me,” Jackie, who’s scheduled to get married in June, said.
Watching students advance – in academics, or beyond material covered – is a source of inspiration.
“I like seeing them grow,” Jackie said. “When you see how much the student has grown – that’s everything. There are things that are important for them to know, even the little things. They’re life skills.”
Appreciation for Jackie’s approach is shown by the many invitations she gets for everything from sporting events to birthday parties.
“It’s important for me to show up,” she said. “They just love it. They really want me to be there.”
Along with teaching at McDeeds Creek, Jackie was a founder of the cheerleading team at the school. It’s something she cherishes.
“I’m very proud of that as well,” she said. “We’re invited to many events.”
The cheerleading team, open to those in third grade and above, is in its fourth year.
As Jackie’s journey continues, her mom, not a surprise given the family’s history, remains a resource.
“She moved here,” Jackie said. “We got her an apartment only five minutes away.”
Her mom also works at McDeeds Creek.
“She’s one of our amazing custodians, and I couldn’t be happier to have her so close to me each day,” added Jackie.
Feature photo: Jackie Villanueva/Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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