While playing with dolls as a child, the idea of being a teacher came to her. Now, a few years later, she’s a Spanish teacher at St. John Fisher University. 

Meet Marina Bonilla, born and raised in Malaga, Spain. She completed her undergraduate studies in English Linguistics at the University of Malaga. As her love for education grew, she pursued a master’s degree in teaching in her native language of Spanish, believing it was easier to connect with students while teaching her own culture.

Bonilla’s teaching journey began in 2013. Over the years, she has taught in Spain, North Carolina, Nebraska, and is now sharing her expertise here at Fisher. Her diverse experiences have molded her into a compassionate and dedicated educator. When asked how these experiences have shaped her, she shared, “you meet other ways of life.” She has learned patience and tolerance for those that don’t share her worldviews and culture.

Bonilla explained that as a teacher, she feels her greatest achievement is witnessing her students’ happiness and eagerness to attend her classes. The joy of seeing students learn something new and their willingness to connect with her brings her immense satisfaction. “Seeing my students happy and willing to come to class, saying that they learned something new– that makes me happy. I take it as a good sign” said Bonilla.

Her advice to students is to be open to new experiences and people. She encourages understanding new perspectives and embracing different cultures and languages, which she believes is essential in the multicultural world we live in today. “Be open to new experiences and new people, try to understand new perspectives, and if you’re able to travel, be open to new cultures and languages. Is important in the country that we live in. Be open, listen and learn from others.”