Personal Interview with Mercedes Coralisa
In this second issue of our magazine, we have chosen to interview Mrs. Mercedes Coralisa, who is one of the American teachers at the ALC in Meknes, to learn about her life and experience here in Morocco.
Houria: I wonder, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Mrs. Mercedes: My name is Mrs. Mercedes Coralisa. I am of European and American origin. I was born in Spain, but I lived in the USA for many, many years in both California and Tennessee. I went to school in Tennessee and at the University of California in San Diego, where I earned degrees in Biology and Nursing. I have a year in veterinarian school, so obviously I have a love of animals. I worked in the US Army in 2007, and the US Navy for three years. I have traveled around the world a bit, visiting Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Bolivia. I have also gone to Egypt, and of course Europe and Morocco. Now, I am married and have lots of animals.
Meryam: Would you mind telling us why you chose to come to Morocco, and to Meknes exactly?
Mrs. Mercedes: Well, the principal reason I came to Meknes was the job I was offered by the ALC. I also wanted to come to the East and discover this part of the world because I lived in the USA for so many years…since I was a teenager. Moreover, my husband is Moroccan, which is why I chose to come to Morocco in general.
Houria: What was your impression about Morocco and Moroccans before you came?
Mrs. Mercedes: My impression! Well, my mother had heritage from Andalusia. Not from my grandfather, because he was Catholic, but my grandmother was from Grenada. My impression about Morocco was good, not like some other countries around the world. I get more of an impression about its streets and culture because I find it very similar to Spain, especially Tanger and Tetouan. I really find Morocco an interesting place.
Meryam: What interests do you have outside of work?
Mrs. Mercedes: Well, I had more interests when I was in the USA. Here in Morocco, my interests are more limited. I go to the gym once a week. I run probably two or three times a week. I also have animals. I have four cats and one dog. So I am very busy feeding and taking care of them.
Houria: How do you manage stress in your daily work?
Mrs. Mercedes: Well, stress is something that everybody experiences. The way I manage it is through meditations and prayer. I do yoga, some kind of movements together with some inner prayer, like when you close your eyes and you pray inside. I do meditation as well, which is where you close your eyes and don’t think of anything. It is the same as yoga meditation.
Meryam: What are your inspirations beyond this career?
Mrs. Mercedes: My inspiration definitely comes from animals and ecology. I really want to become a veterinarian doctor. It is one of my future goals. So, I am planning to go back to the USA to finish my veterinary studies.
Houria: What are the rewards you expect from your career?
Mrs. Mercedes: I really love this job. The ALC is very appreciative to the director, to the staff, and to the teachers. I like teaching the students. It’s been a very wonderful and great experience for me. I just can’t tell you how much I love teaching the students. It’s been a wonderful reward not merely for the teaching, but also the feedback you get from the students, the other teachers, and the director. I think one of the best experiences I have ever had here in Morocco is actually at the ALC in Meknes.
Meryam: Describe how you get along with your work colleagues.
Mrs. Mercedes: Well, I think regardless of who you are, you always have to show a piece of gratitude to everyone else. Therefore for me, I want to treat everybody as I want to be treated. For me, I have never treated anyone badly, (maybe other people have different opinions). But what I can say is that I treat them like I want to be treated, and in return their behavior towards me is the same. So, do good, receive good.
Houria: Can you tell us about the biggest challenge you have ever had in your job?
Mrs. Mercedes: Well, the challenge I had here is that I had only experience teaching in the Army. But in the ALC it was kind of intimidating, especially when everybody spoke Arabic instead of English. It seemed as if they didn’t pay attention to my teaching. So the biggest challenge was learning how to deal with them and make them pay attention. I mean, I had never been in this situation before! I had been in the Army, and in the Army if someone talked, they got in trouble. And when I said “Hush!” I really meant it. So, at the beginning it was kind of difficult and a little bit intimidating in its sense, but later I started to learn how to deal and handle different situations. Now, it is much easier.
Meryam: Can you say something specific to the ALC Stars?
Mrs. Mercedes: Well, I don’t know all the people who are involved! I know only Kym, Khadija, and you girls. What I want to say is that I love Kym and Khadija, and you girls. I am grateful not only for the students, but also for the teachers and everybody to know how to show their talents. Moreover, it’s a great opportunity, especially for the students, to show how much they care about different topics, such as English, and about their experience in the ALC. So, bravo to all of you, and bravo to Khadija!
Interview conducted by Meryam Alami & Houria Achibane
By Meryam Alami & Houria Achibane, Advanced 2