The email below was sent from Austin ISD employee Nora Montes De Flores to AISD Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz. It is shared with permission from Ms. Montes de Flores.

Dr. Paul Cruz:
 
Yesterday I was very excited to receive an unexpected appreciation from you. I got a pin for my five years of service to Austin ISD.

It is really nice to have that kind of surprise. I shared it with my family here and in Mexico.
 
I’m very thankful for my job, it really means a lot to me.

I work for the International Welcome Center. The first time I visited was the first day I came to live here in Austin coming from Mexico with my husband and son. He was tested in his language proficiency.

At that moment I prayed and asked God for a job like that one, where I could help people coming for the first time to this country. And here I am exactly in that position.
 
I know the feeling of coming to a new country, with a different language and culture, to enroll our children in school. This is the reason why I love what I do. I can identify with the families coming to AISD for various reasons to encounter a new country, new language and culture.
 
I appreciate my job and do it with love and caring.

Thank you for this recognition of five years.
 
Best,
Nora Montes de Flores
International Welcome Center
Department of English Language Learners