“Todo el esfuerzo valió la pena.” 

“It was all worth the effort.” 

That’s what my dad said when I graduated from Northern Arizona University with my bachelor’s degree. 

And again, when I graduated from Grand Canyon University with my master’s. 

And once more, when my siblings earned their degrees and began their own careers. 

My parents wanted us to get an education. It’s why at the turn of each season, my dad would chase work in a different town. It’s why we left home in Mexico for the opportunities here. 

My name is Karen Quirarte, and I am a Preschool Teacher at CPLC Early Childhood Development (ECD) in San Luis, Arizona. 

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. 

When I was four years old, I’d watch my ECD teachers in awe as they explained our schedules, helped our parents, and led the class. Then at home, my sister and I would play school. 

My parents were grateful for ECD because it’s how we learned English and understood the rules by the time we got to kindergarten. 

And it helped me build the work ethic I needed to complete my master’s degree and become a teacher like them. 

There was a little boy in my class a few years ago, Pedro, who reminded me of the wide-eyed girl I used to be. He was really shy. But over time, he gained confidence and showed more of his personality. 

And I can’t ever forget Juanito! He was so smart and always tried to be helpful. His mom was pregnant and we helped them secure food assistance. 

At the end of the school year, Juanito gave me a pencil bag, saying, “Le traje este regalito porque en la casa no tenemos mucho.” 

“I brought you this little gift because at home we don’t have a lot.” 

But to me, it meant so much. 

It’s why I wanted to become a teacher. 

I grew up seeing my dad come home tired from a long day of driving his tractor in the lettuce fields. He’d walk in and slowly peel off layers of his uniform—his heavy boots caked with mud, his long, white socks damp with sweat, and the straw hat that protected his skin from the sun. 

As I’d watch him from a corner of the room, sitting in front of my homework, he’d say, “Yo soy el que está aquí trabajando, echándole ganas para que ustedes no batallen.”  

“I’m the one working here, putting in effort so that you guys don’t have to struggle.” 

Thanks in part to my teachers, my dad got his wish. 

Now I’m that teacher, helping other parents like him. 

To learn more about our CPLC Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs, visit our website here: https://cplc.org/programs/early-childhood-development. You can donate to support our cause at https://cplc.org/get-involved. 

If you’re interested in volunteering your time with us, please fill out a volunteer application here. You can also visit our volunteer page to learn more. 

Sincerely, 

Karen Quirarte 
Preschool Teacher 
CPLC Early Childhood Development Program