LARISSA GIACOMÁN

Lower School Spanish Teacher Larissa Giacomán loves her students’ curiosity, creativity, enthusiasm for learning, and genuine willingness to explore new concepts. Larissa was born in Mexico and spent her time playing outdoors in the warm sun and exploring music, dance, and other arts. At the age of 10, she moved to Sweden where she adjusted to the cold, dark winters and found joy in ice skating and skiing. Attending an international school with peers that spoke several languages inspired you to do the same. She speaks Spanish, English, and French. As a child she dreamed of making the world a better place, and now feels she is making a difference by introducing her students to another language and culture. She credits her grandparents for inspiring her to always strive to be the best version of herself and instilling the importance of living with strong values and helping others as well as the love for culture. Their guidance and example shaped her character and fueled her commitment to making a positive impact on those around her. She helps her students learn by creating a supportive and encouraging environment and making Spanish interesting, fun, and vibrant. Larissa enjoys collaborating with her colleagues in science, art, and technology to bring a comprehensive experience to her classroom. Recently, her students have shown a keen interest in learning about renowned Mexican artist Frido Kahlo and Axolotis, the fascinating regenerating amphibians! They also like learning about Mexican traditions, from breaking colorful piñatas to crafting intricate sugar skulls to delving into the world of alebrijes, whimsical and fantastical creatures from Mexican lore. If Larissa wasn’t in education, she would be in a science-related job that offers endless opportunities for discovery and innovation. She loves exploring the outdoors and fondly describes taking a service trip to Panama with Upper School Saints. There she immersed herself in the beauty of the Bocas del Toro archipelago—encountering sloths and observing a variety of wild animals in their habitat. Locally, Larissa likes to visit the National Arboretum and walk among all kinds of plants. She recalls seeing the Monarch butterflies in Michoacan, Mexico with her son, Ulises ’12, and her mother, where the air in the forest was filled with a gentle fluttering sound as the monarchs took flight or shifted position on the branches. Each tree seemed to be adorned with a living tapestry of orange and black, as thousands of butterflies gathered together, creating a spectacle unlike any other. She witnessed the Aurora Borealis amidst the natural beauty of the Arctic landscape in the North Pole, Kiruna, Sweden during the summer—a magical and unique experience. Other special moments include seeing the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, the Acropolis in Athens, and St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. Outside of school Larissa enjoys dancing, biking, swimming, painting, and spending time with her husband of 36 years, Rodolfo. She says her greatest accomplishment is being a mom. She defines success by reflecting on the milestones she has reached, acknowledging how they have shaped her into the person she is today, and she’s proud to own her journey.

If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
I would choose to swap with an artist. The opportunity to channel creativity and talent to craft something truly beautiful and inspiring would be a remarkable experience.

What is the one place in the world you would like to escape to and why?
The beach holds a special place in my heart. It transports me back to the carefree days of my childhood, and the raw elements of nature remind me of the beauty of life.

What is your greatest strength?
My greatest strength lies in the love I have for my husband and son. Their presence and unwavering support fuel me with motivation and determination, inspiring me to face each day with resilience and purpose.

What is the one thing in the world you would fix if you could wave a magic wand?
My utmost desire would be to cultivate global harmony among people and nations. To embrace our differences, celebrate our shared humanity, and strive together to create a brighter future for all inhabitants of our planet.

What one piece of advice would you offer anyone who asks?
To embrace each day as if it were your last. Find joy in the present moment, cherish the little things, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
I am immensely grateful for my family, particularly my sister Tania whom I admire greatly. Despite the physical distance that separates us, I hold dear the cherished memories we have created together.