Teaching Spanish in Lagos, Nigeria

Adriana Hernandez, BSEd ’17, didn’t expect a change in major while a Baylor student to cause a ripple of influence as far-reaching as Lagos, Nigeria, when she began studies in elementary education. Now, she is in her fifth year teaching elementary and middle school students in a community she has embraced and calls home.

“God placed this in front of me,” Hernandez said of her role teaching Spanish at the American International School of Lagos in Nigeria. “Or else I wouldn’t feel so comfortable.”

After Baylor, Hernandez completed her master's in bilingual education and gifted and talented education at SMU and taught at Burleson ISD for two years before she needed a change. 

“I had friends that taught abroad who suggested that I start looking at international schools,” Hernandez said. “There was a job fair coming up and I went into it just to get information and see what was out there. I left with a job.”

In her current role, Hernandez feels pride that students choose which language they want to learn and take ownership of it. She also helps with extracurricular activities like Nigerian Culture Day.

“It’s a whole day dedicated to learning about and embracing the Nigerian culture we live in day-to-day,” said Hernandez. “Teachers dress in traditional fabrics, students perform traditional dances they have been practicing and Nigerian dignitaries come and speak. It’s a way to honor our host country and the fourth of our students who are local.”

“I love my life here,” Hernandez said. “I’m very tied to the community here.”

Baylor still has a major place in her life. She even has a Baylor lanyard for her school ID that she wears proudly as she teaches.

“The kids ask all the time about Baylor,” Hernandez said. “I’ve told them about the live bears on campus and they really liked that.”

Baylor continues to be a lighthouse that alumni can return to no matter how far they go. Hernandez makes a stop every summer break when she returns to the States to visit her family and friends. 

“Stopping by Baylor is something that just feels right,” said Hernandez.