My name is Mirtha Chaparro. I was born in Sagua la Grande, Cuba on November 8, 1973. I went to
school in the same city where I grew up. On August 31, 1994, at the age of 19 and a half. My mother my
brother and I along with 19 other family members fled Cuba and the communist regime on a makeshift
raft made of truck tire inner tubes wrapped in burlap. We were at sea for 3 days and 2 nights until the
United States Coast Guard rescued us. We were 6 hours east of Key West. The US Coast Guard took us
to the United States Naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. We were detained there as political refugees
for almost 9 months. We later all arrived in the United States of America where my aunt welcomed us to
her home in Hialeah.
I subsequently obtained employment as a waitress for approx. 1 year. I found a job in a factory as an
embroiderer for approx. 1 year. I then obtained a job as a pharmacy tech at Sedano’s Supermarket for 1
½ years. In 1998 we moved to West Palm Beach, Fl. where I work at Publix. In 2000 I obtained
employment at the Palm Beach County School Board where my dream to become a teacher became a
reality in 2021 I was allowed to become a teacher. My first job with the school district was as a bus
attendant after 1 year, I took the driver's test obtained my CDL license, and later became a PBC School
bus driver. I decided to learn English and at the age of 29, I married and became pregnant with my first
and only child in 2004. I took some time off until my son was born. After 6 months, I decided that it was
time to change job positions and applied for a teacher aide position at Okeeheelee Middle School. I
worked hard to achieve my dreams, and as a Latina, I have always loved to work with children and for
my community.
Forest Hill High School was the school I have always wanted to work at, and my dreams became a
reality in 2018 when I was selected as a secretary at this school. Being employed here was a huge
surprise to me because my son also started at this same school as a freshman. I was excited and
fortunate to be able to see him grow and enjoy his last 4 years in school before he went on to start
university. When my son started his senior year, I decided that it was my time to meet my goals, and my
dreams to become a teacher at Forest Hill High School.
In 2021 my passion for working with children and especially with the Hispanic students was amazing.
The majority of the students who come to the USA and attend Forest Hill HS arrive with hopes and
dreams like I did. I’m blessed to have been allowed to help all the Latinos as well as the American
students who wish to learn a second language. The greatest feeling that a teacher gets is when you
make a difference and an impact on the students you teach. It's always a great feeling when your
students remember your name as Mrs. Chappy. The students are the reason I became a teacher. One of
my greatest satisfactions is being able to witness my students on the stage at their graduation with their
smiles and happiness in completing their 4 years of HS receiving their diplomas and starting their new
chapter in their lives. I pray to God every day to continue to bless me and give me more opportunities to
continue helping more students and give more back to my community.