Before graduating from college, I faced a common dilemma: What am I going to do with the rest of my life. I knew that I wanted to go to graduate school, but I also wanted to work for a few years. At the same time, I wasn't interested in entering the business world.
After discussing my "dilemma" with my brother, he suggested that I move west and look for a teaching job. He explained that as long as I began work on a teaching credential, I could find a social studies teaching position at the secondary level. Well, I had nothing to lose and the thought of seventy-degree, sunshine-filled days year-round didn't turn me away. After I graduated, I packed my belongings and headed for California.
After finding a place to live, everything fell into place. My neighbor in the apartment complex had a contact at a private school, and before I knew it I was hired to teach American history, government, and economics.
When the school year began, I was a nervous wreck. I had no teaching experience and I was being thrown into an all-girls Catholic school. I figured the fact that I was young and good-looking would get me through the first semester and keep the kids from focusing on my mistakes.
Looking back, my first year as a teacher was one of the most memorable. I loved going to work everyday, my ideals were high, and I felt like I was connecting with the kids. There was one student in particular that I will never forget.
Elena was the first child of Salvadoran immigrants. She had skin the color of coffee slightly diluted with cream, long, flowing black hair, and the most beautiful almond eyes I have ever seen. Her school uniform disguised a perfect body: slender, muscular legs, a perfect ass, and small, firm breasts. I could not help but stare at her when she was in my class and she always gave me a sweet, innocent smile.
Elena's relationship with her parents was somewhat difficult. They uphold their native values, and as a result Elena was not allowed to date. Her parents were very strict, as they wanted her to succeed in school and attend a good college.
Elena often came in after school for help with American history and her other classes. I felt she had a schoolgirl's crush, but I also knew that she needed someone to talk to. I was careful to always act professionally, but there was always a voice in the back of my mind wondering what things would be like if Elena were a little older and attending college.
Well, Elena graduated after my second year at the school and we soon fell out of touch. I knew that she was attending a local university, as her parents would not let her live away from home until she was married. I always hoped that she would stop by to visit, but luck would not have it as such. One day, however, the tide began to change.
Before the holidays, I was busy doing my Christmas shopping and I ran into Elena at the mall. She was working at the Banana Republic store and she immediately gave me a big hug when I entered the store. Her appearance had not changed a bit. In fact, she was more beautiful than I remembered her. She told me that she was majoring in elementary education and would graduate in the spring. I was happy to hear that she was doing well and secretly longing to see her again.