Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
Former Assistant Principal Patricia Gil has been inspired all her life by Mark Twain’s saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” She has lived by those words from the moment she joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a college freshman to her current role as an assistant field director and member of the Veterans Council at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, New York City.
Her appreciation of other cultures was written in the stars. Born in the Dominican Republic, Patricia emigrated to the United States with her family when she was only 3. She has returned to the DR throughout her life to visit relatives and stay connected to her roots.
Growing up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, she lived among Irish, Italian, African American and Latino neighbors, so cultural diversity was part of everyday life—at home, at P.S. 98 and later at St. Michael’s Academy.
The example set by her mother, Thelma, and her maternal grandmother, Ernestina, shaped Patricia’s future. Although both were native Spanish speakers, her grandmother worked in a hat factory, and her mother opened a daycare business—impressing on Patricia the value of hard work and perseverance. Her mother’s work inspired Patricia to dedicate her career to children.
Her path to education came later, though. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University in Manhattan and joined the Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was drawn to the military for its tuition benefits and the opportunity to travel—and she did, both across the United States and abroad in Italy and Turkey.
Patricia still recalls the annual Festival of the Candles in Pisa on June 16. “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once,” she said. In Turkey, stationed just outside Istanbul, she found the city unforgettable: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Patricia was stationed stateside, supporting platoons overseas through the supply unit. Just a month before she was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, the war ended. “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back,” she said.
Her civilian work looked very different from her military duties. As a marketing graduate, she worked for the renowned advertising agency Grey Direct and for Condé Nast Traveler. “I loved it,” she said. “But in my late 20s, I decided to pursue my true calling.”
Patricia went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from City College because she had always dreamed of being a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Washington Heights, she taught ESL and special education students...
