In Texas, born and raised in the country might mean growing up on a small farm of a couple acres. For Pre-AP Spanish 1 and 2 teacher Maryline Gengoux, living in the country has a totally different meaning.  Gengoux grew up in the countryside of France in the small village of Bussiéres et Pruns.

In her middle school years, Gengoux was introduced to the Spanish language, and immediately gained a passion for the language and culture.

“I was just attracted to [the Spanish language],” Gengoux said. “I’ve had a passion for the Mexican culture since I was 14 years old. I was very interested in the Aztecs.”

In many middle schools in France, students are required to learn English as a part of the school program. This is much like here where students are required to take a few years of a foreign language.

“I started developing a special interest for language and I was attracted by the idea of being able to speak a foreign language and to speak with foreign people and in foreign countries,” Gengoux said.

Throughout her high school years, Gengoux continued to learn Spanish and English with English being the most difficult for her to learn because of the pronunciation and spelling.

“It’s unique to hear her accent while saying things in Spanish and it’s a neat learning experience,” freshman Shelby Hughes said.

At the age of 20, Gengoux attended Blaise Pascal University in Clermont-Ferrand, France. She attended the University for 2 years, earning half of her Bachelor’s degree. At the age of 24, she moved to the United States and studied at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. After 2 more years she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, while continuing to master her English as well.

“It’s a blessing really [to have her as a Spanish teacher] because she has a lot to offer since her native language is a romance language just like spanish, and she has degrees [in spanish] and speaks three languages, so you couldn’t ask for a better deal,” assistant principal Kristen Kinnard said.

Gengoux is now in her second year on campus, teaching her favorite language, Spanish.

“[I wanted to teach Spanish because] I wanted to share my passion of the language with young people,” Gengoux said. “I love being with young individuals who are trying to find their way in life.”