By Idalia Rosa-Martinez
"to contribute in the success of others!" Sandra Mueller responds as to why she drives the 220-mile stretch between Virginia Beach and Richmond each week. But that's not enough! A heavy work schedule, at three separate sites and in two different fields, doesn't stop Ms. Mueller from her volunteer work as dental assistant. ¡Aplauda! finally caught up to this extraordinary guatemalteca for an interview.
Vocational Training:
I trained as an elementary school teacher in Guatemala, where I was born and raised. But, I've always liked dentistry. While teaching Spanish in the USA, I decided to study dental assistant technology. I've been working in the dental assistant field since 1985. Family: married 22 years
Hampton Roads neighborhood
Virginia Beach for 25 years.
Current Profession:
Well, my weekdays are very full working as a Spanish Teacher at St. Patrick Catholic School. Then I work, during some evenings and weekends, as an instructor for Bryant and Stratton College's dental assistant program at their Virginia Beach and Richmond campuses.
Personal mentor or role model that influenced your life choices? Why?
My mother has always been my personal mentor. She taught me when you start something you finish it no matter what it is. Don't do things halfway.
How do you see yourself giving back to the Hispanic population of Hampton Roads?
Since 1992, I have volunteered as dental assistant for the migrant workers in the Eastern Shore, through Operation Blessing. I also volunteer in this organization's local dental screening clinics for the homeless. In 1993, I volunteered my dental assistant services to Physicians for Peace in Latin America. I travel with them as often as I can. I have pending trips to the Dominican Republic and Guatemala for summer and fall 2008. I return as well to work in the Eastern Shore this summer. At least 2,000 patients were served in a two-day clinic at the Eastern Shore last year.
As a dental assistant instructor, I give many out-of-classroom hours to encourage students. I have a passion for dentistry and it is gratifying to see that in a three-month course, I help place someone on a path to a profession and a salary to support their family.
As a Spanish teacher, I help children gain respect not only for a foreign language but also for another culture.
Organization affiliations in Hampton Roads?
I belong to Physicians for Peace with many local dentists and doctors.
Personal cultural experience when arrived in Hampton Roads?
I've never considered myself different from anyone else when I walk into a room for a meeting or a function. Maybe my English has a little more accent than the next person's, but it is English nevertheless. I studied both English and French as part of my degree acquired in Guatemala.
Compare a cultural difference from Guatemala and the United States and Hampton Roads.
I've seen a difference at times with student behavior in the schoolrooms of Guatemala and some USA schools.
How well do you think the United States in general, but Hampton Roads in particular, have done in creating opportunities and accommodating Spanish-speaking people?
We need much more! Service providers lack the ability to speak in Spanish. I believe that community services, especially in the medical and health services, must understand the need for bilingual communication. I also see it necessary to increase English classes in the local area. I don't mean basic survival English classes, but English for those wanting to pursue higher academics or for professionals. Fluent English/Spanish speakers, who could translate native correlations and bridge the language gaps, should provide these classes.
Words of wisdom for the Hispanic population of Hampton Roads:
If you want to succeed in this country, it's time to learn English. Don't be afraid to learn.
A song, word, or phrase that describes your life.
Enthusiastic! That's the word that best describes me.
Hobbies:
I love to dance Salsa when I get a chance.
Wireless technology allowed us to share a moment in the life of this busy lady. And listening to the giving nature behind the person, Sandra Mueller, made the pursuit a worthwhile venture. Hats off to all you do!
¡Aplauda!
