Mayelín Núñez Mendoza’s life could be summed up in one word: dedication. For more than 30 years, she has been a teacher at the Amiguitos del Minint childcare center in Las Tunas and has dedicated every day to the little ones who arrive at this institution each morning.
“I was born in Las Tunas, but I spent my first five years living with my parents in Majibacoa. That’s where I have my fondest childhood memories. I love that town. I always say: I’m from Majibacoa, from Tres Copas,” she recalls with a smile.
Despite her parents’ early divorce, Mayelín says she never lacked love or affection from either of them. Her parents were the first foundation for a woman who would later build her own family with the same strength.
She tells 26 that at the Eduardo Pérez Sánchez School she had an unforgettable teacher, Alina; from then on, she was a class leader, an active participant in all activities, and an outstanding student.
Later, after finishing high school at Wenceslao Rivero, the opportunity arose to enroll in the Pepito Tey Teacher Training College. “They gave me the entrance exams, and thank God I passed them all —singing, drawing, and the interviews,” she says gratefully.
When asked what made her decide to become a teacher, her answer is quick: “I’ve always liked children. It’s a wonderful career; I love it. I tell people that if I were to die and be reborn, I’d want to be a teacher.”
That early calling led her to complete her teaching practicum starting in her first year at the school where she still works today. “Seeing my academic performance and my attitude, the principal of this school asked that, once I graduated, I continue working here,” she recalls.
She’ll never forget that first time standing in front of a classroom full of children. Principal Maritza Peña, Assistant Principal Irma, and other teachers were her mentors. “They taught me so much, and everything I know today I owe to them—the sense of responsibility toward my work, the love for the profession—they were the mirror that taught me to see this profession as something beautiful. “I say it’s in my blood; I’m at home thinking about what I’m missing and what I can do better,” she confesses with emotion.
Mayelín hasn’t forgotten her mentors —those who showed her the right path: Elizabeth Otero, Editha Feria, and Juana Núñez, who welcomed her as one of their own during those formative years. Her professional journey has been as steady as her workplace. She never strayed from that circle that saw her grow as an educator. She graduated with honors and that same year began her bachelor’s degree, all while working and taking on the responsibility of a class from a very young age.
She was rated “excellent” for several consecutive years and was active in the Union of Young Communists (UJC in Spanish) from age 15 to 30, participating in all activities and events. She then earned her master’s degree in Educational Sciences on her first attempt. “It’s a summary of all the results of these years of work,” she says.
“The first thing I always tell the students we've trained is that they must shower the children with love —that sense of calling and belonging in everything we do, in this little place where we are, and above all, a sense of responsibility— because these are very young children who depend on us, on our work, and on our sacrifice,” she says.
She explains that many families come in thinking the program is just about caring for and feeding the children. Work goes much deeper: teaching habits, basic concepts, and providing attentive care to children with special educational needs —even when staff is limited.
“I remember several stories that move me: one day I ran into a doctor at the hospital who called me ‘auntie’ and gave me a warm hug. You see how lovingly they treat us, and that’s a great source of satisfaction —knowing that at least they remember us,” she says.
About ten years ago, she took on the role of assistant director of the center, a responsibility she describes as “the most challenging part” of the job, since she must prepare and ensure compliance with all programs, methodological guidelines, and daily schedules, in addition to training new teachers.
“It’s complex, but beautiful. It’s rewarding when you see you’re achieving satisfactory results and that families have a high opinion of the teachers. When they speak well of them, you already feel delighted, because it’s the result of the work we do,” she says.
She has received recognition as an outstanding assistant principal, an exemplary employee, and a medal for more than 30 years of service. Her personal life is another source of fulfillment. Her eldest son, Marcos, has a degree in Physical Education, and her youngest daughter, Laura Cecilia, is in her fifth year of medical school.
Outside of work, she finds solace in reading, her confessed hobby. “I love to read, especially novels. My job requires me to study curricula and guidelines systematically, but aside from that, I enjoy coffee,” she shares.
When asked for advice for women going through difficult times, she says: “As long as we have our health and our families are well, everything will work out. We have to keep moving forward and stay optimistic. Life is full of challenges, but we must carry on and face whatever adversities come our way.”
Her thirty years in the field are living proof that a vocation, when lived with passion, transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on every child who has passed through her care.