A powerful personal memoir of faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. From leaving Panama to reuniting with her son, a Spanish teacher's inspiring journey of building a new life while honoring her roots and serving others.
Her Story
About Marilyn
Marilyn is a dedicated educator, mentor, and community leader who has spent more than 15 years serving students in public education. Originally from Panama, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 34 as a single mother in search of greater opportunities for her family. Faced with the challenge of not speaking English, Marilyn demonstrated remarkable determination by learning the language, working various jobs—including cleaning houses and factory work—and pursuing her dream of becoming a certified teacher. Today, she serves as a Spanish teacher and certified civic literacy educator at Palm Bay Magnet High School in Florida, where she inspires students through her passion for language, culture, and lifelong learning.
Marilyn’s journey into education is a testament to perseverance and resilience. After having her academic credentials evaluated, securing a position as a classroom assistant, and overcoming the challenge of passing certification exams in a second language, she began her teaching career at Rockledge High School. She later taught at Johnson Middle School before joining Palm Bay Magnet High School. Her excellence in education has earned her numerous recognitions, including being named Teacher of the Year at Johnson Middle School and receiving recognition from Congressman Bill Posey during Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 as an inspiring immigrant making a positive impact in Brevard County.
Beyond the classroom, Marilyn is deeply committed to service and cultural preservation. For nearly eight years, she has volunteered as a missionary medical translator, helping bridge communication gaps during medical missions through her church. She also leads a Panamanian cultural performance group that showcases traditional dances and customs throughout the United States, promoting cultural awareness and heritage. In addition, she mentors new teachers and works closely with youth through church ministry, sharing the lessons of faith, perseverance, and hard work that have guided her own journey. Marilyn credits her success to her unwavering faith, determination, and the belief that no obstacle is too great to overcome.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marilyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, perseverance, hard work, and determination. When I immigrated to the United States from Panama at age 34 as a single mother, I faced significant language and cultural barriers, but I remained committed to building a better future for my family. Through dedication, continuous learning, and a belief that no challenge was too great to overcome, I achieved my goal of becoming a certified teacher and serving others through education.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from my faith and life experiences, which have taught me the importance of perseverance, humility, and continuous growth. Those lessons have guided my career, and today I enjoy giving back by mentoring new teachers and supporting others as they begin their own journeys in education.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never let difficult circumstances define your future. Success comes through faith, perseverance, education, and a commitment to continuous learning, even when you face setbacks. Stay determined, believe in your potential, and remember that with hard work and resilience, you can overcome even the greatest obstacles.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see in education is supporting immigrant families as they learn English, adapt to a new culture, and navigate unfamiliar systems. At the same time, I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to empower students through education, language, and cultural understanding, helping them build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are faith, perseverance, integrity, service, education, compassion, and continuous growth. I believe that every obstacle presents an opportunity to learn and become stronger, and I strive to approach each challenge with resilience and purpose. I am passionate about encouraging others to believe in themselves, continue growing, and never give up on their dreams.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Marilyn
From Panama to Purpose: A Journey of Faith, Sacrifice, and Hope
A Journey of Faith, Sacrifice, and Purpose: From Panama to a New American Dream
Every life has a story, and mine is a story of FAITH, SACRIFICE, PERSEVERANCE, and HOPE. When people see me today as a teacher, a wife, a mother, and a woman dedicated to serving others, they may not see all the challenges, prayers, and sacrifices that brought me here. My journey has not always been easy, but every step has shaped me into the person I am today.
My Roots
I was born and raised in Panama, a beautiful country that will always hold a special place in my heart. My roots, my culture, and my family values are an important part of who I am. From a young age, I learned the importance of hard work, education, kindness, and faith. Those lessons became the foundation that carried me through some of the most difficult moments of my life.
Education has always been one of my greatest passions. I believed that knowledge could change lives and open doors. Before coming to the United States, I had already dedicated myself to teaching and helping others grow. But GOD had a different path planned for me - one that would challenge me, strengthen me, and lead me toward a new purpose.
Leaving Panama
Leaving Panama and starting a new life in the United States was one of the biggest decisions I ever made. Immigration is often described as a new beginning, but it also comes with many SACRIFICES. I left behind my home, my culture, my familiar surroundings, and many people I loved. I entered a new country where I had to learn a new language, adapt to a different culture, and rebuild my life from the beginning.
The Greatest Sacrifice
The greatest sacrifice I made was leaving behind my only son.
No mother wants to be separated from her child, but I made that difficult decision because I wanted to create a better future for both of us. My son stayed in Panama for three years while I worked in the United States and pursued the legal documents necessary for us to build our life together.
Those three years were some of the hardest years of my life. I missed birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments that a mother treasures. There were many nights filled with tears and prayers. But even during those painful moments, I held on to the belief that my sacrifice had a purpose. Every long day, every challenge, and every obstacle was worth it because my dream was to reunite with my son and give him opportunities for a better future.
During that time, I worked hard and accepted every opportunity that allowed me to move forward. I learned that honest work is something to be proud of, no matter the job. I continued improving my English, learning about American culture, and preparing myself for the future I wanted to build.
When we were finally reunited, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. The pain of separation was replaced with gratitude and joy. Looking back, I realize that every SACRIFICE had a PURPOSE.
Every SACRIFICE Had a PURPOSE
Today, I look at my son with incredible pride. He has grown into a man of dedication, discipline, and service. He chose to serve his country as a soldier in the United States Army Reserve while also pursuing a career in law enforcement. Seeing him wear the Army uniform reminds me of the journey we traveled together. The little boy I once left behind became a man who proudly serves others. His commitment, courage, and sense of responsibility are among my greatest blessings.
My Calling as a Teacher
While building a new life in the United States, I also continued pursuing my own dreams. I knew education was still my calling, so I worked hard to become a certified Spanish teacher in Florida. Today, I have the privilege of teaching students and sharing not only a language but also the richness of Hispanic culture.
My classroom is more than a place where students learn vocabulary and grammar. It is a place where students discover new perspectives, appreciate different cultures, and gain confidence in themselves. Because I personally experienced the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new country, I understand the importance of patience, encouragement, and compassion.
Teaching is not just my profession - it is my purpose. Every student who walks into my classroom is an opportunity to make a difference. Whether I am teaching Spanish, sponsoring activities, encouraging students, or helping them believe in their abilities, I want them to know that their future is full of possibilities.
Faith, Family, and Gratitude
My faith has been the greatest source of strength throughout my journey. There were many moments when I did not understand why things were difficult, but I trusted that GOD was guiding me. Every challenge taught me resilience. Every closed door led me to another opportunity. Every difficult season helped prepare me for the blessings that followed.
I have also been blessed with a loving husband who has supported and encouraged me throughout my journey. His constant support, belief in me, and willingness to stand beside me have been a reminder that we are stronger when we face life together. Having someone who celebrates your dreams and supports you through challenges is truly a gift.
Life has taught me that success is not measured only by ACCOMPLISHMENTS . It is measured by the people we touch, the challenges we overcome, and the love we give to others. My journey has shown me that where we begin does not determine where we can go.
I am proud of my Panamanian roots, grateful for the opportunities I have received in the United States, and thankful for the family and purpose God has given me. I carry both countries in my heart - the country that raised me and the country that gave me new opportunities.
My Story Is Still Being Written
My story is still being written. I continue to teach, serve, learn, and inspire. I hope my journey reminds others that dreams are possible when we have FAITH, DETERMINATION, and the COURAGE to keep going.
I left Panama with hope in my heart and a dream for a better future. Today, I look back with GRATITUDE for every CHALLENGE , every SACRIFICE, and every BLESSING. The road was not always easy, but it led me exactly where I was meant to be.
This is my story - a story of faith, a mother's love, perseverance, and purpose. And by God's grace, the best chapters are still ahead.
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