The Big Short

Big questions, Short answers

Sandy Blodgett joined ASIJ as a Spanish teacher in 2007 along with her husband Seth who teaches Math in the Middle School. Prior to ASIJ they worked at Blair Academy, a boarding school in rural New Jersey, for nine years. Their children, Maya ’20 and Cody ’18, are now ASIJ alumni.

Where are you from?

Ecuador, paradoxically, a country very similar yet so different from Japan.

What kind of student were you in school?

My parents come from humble backgrounds, thus I was raised to make the best of the opportunities you were given. Therefore, I could not waste the chance to go to school and get educated. I was hardworking, conscientious, and curious. I wanted to learn but also I wanted to understand how things worked.

Why did you choose to go into education?

I did not. Life offered me that opportunity, I gave it a chance, and I loved it. Actually, had you asked me in my 20s if I dreamed about being a teacher, I would have said you were crazy. When I landed on my first teaching post, at Blair Academy in New Jersey, I fell in love with passing on my culture, my language, my traditions, my love for who I am really. Then, I realized, it was more than teaching Spanish, it was shaping kids lives and perspectives about the world and about people.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you do?

I was in corporate America before teaching, but I guess I would have gotten tired of that kind of pressure and atmosphere. I always loved working for the environment and with people. I love helping people; perhaps I would have worked in tourism or community projects, something that has to do with the environment or helping people get to better situations.

What is your favorite thing about ASIJ?

The students!

What is your favorite thing about Japan?

It’s so similar to Ecuador, yet so different. Let me start with the similarities: respect for authority, the elderly, and family traditions. However, we are so different, Ecuadorians are so loud, happy, full of life. We play music and start dancing. Personal space— what’s that? We hug each other all the time! Japan is so orderly, clean, respectful, and the people are so kind, helpful and polite.

What advice do you give your students?

Have fun on the weekends, make sure you have some balance in life. You have to study, have fun, sleep in, spend time with family and friends, laugh, be active and then if there is a bit more time, study. You will do great things wherever you go, no matter what, because it is the effort and attitude that matters most.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Hmm… you know what I am saying?” and “Does this make sense to you?”

Who are your favorite writers?

Oh my … I’m going to cite two Spanish authors: Isabel Allende and Pablo Neruda. I like romantic poetry and learning about history from personal experiences.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Rumiñahui, he was an Inca, from the town where my dad was born, who tried to save his brother and his hometown from the Spanish conquistadors. Unfortunately, he was captured, tortured and killed, yet he never revealed where the city treasures were buried. I hope to have the courage to fight for my family and country if the time comes when an invader arrives.

Which living person do you most admire?

Malala, she fought for her rights and the rights of women in a very harsh regime.

When and where were you happiest?

The beach when the sky is blue (or not) and there is no schedule. You can admire the beautiful blue shades of the ocean and enjoy the serenades of the waves crushing in the rocks, forming white foam in the white sand. Paradise, only if

Seth is around!

Who are your heroes in real life?

Seth, he puts up with me!

What is your most treasured possession?

My past: it made me who I am and what I value. I’m not perfect but I strive to be a better person each and every day.

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