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Legacy Builders
& Preservers
Meet the Elders:
Janette Madera
My name is Jan Madera.
I am from Puerto Rico.
One thing you cannot tell just by looking at me is my sense humor.
This is important for me to tell you because many presume me to be shy and quiet.
Meet Janette
Ms. Madera's love for history and Spanish, sparked by her close relationship with her father, ultimately led her to her career. Her father would read to her and teach her about history and the Spanish language. The lessons and love her father poured into her as she grew, combined with her own natural curiosity and passion for reading, shaped her into the educator she is today.
Younger Years
“This is a photo of my mother, my sister, and me. It reminds me of how much of a protector my mother was of me-both my sister and me. She always set the rules, she always did things with us. She was a homemaker so everything she did included us and was for us. She taught me how to cook, how to behave, and how to be humanly conscious of others.”
-Janette Madera
Her Hands, Her Story
Her hands are never still, always looping yarn, turning pages, or folding into quiet prayer. The skin on her fingers is slightly rough, shaped by the years of crocheting, while faint calluses remain from instruments she once played. Rings rest on her fingers, each one holding a different story, a different version of her life. These are hands that learned in silence.
As a child, she wasn’t allowed to complain of boredom, so she sat and watched a family friend crochet, learning through observation rather than words. That same patience followed her as she quietly taught herself Spanish, sneaking books from her father when her mother didn’t teach her. Her hands carried both obedience and resistance, forming calluses from guitar strings she was pushed to play, yet eventually choosing piano instead.
Over time, her hands became tools of care and creation. They grade papers as a teacher, cook meals that surprise those who don’t expect her skill, braid hair with ease, and fold daily in prayer, reflecting her deep faith. They have created multicolored scarves and held the responsibilities of motherhood. Even the rings she wears tell her story: one from a flea market meant for her mother but kept for herself, one from a past relationship, and one bought on clearance, showing her independence.
Today, her hands continue to move with purpose, not just to create, but to teach, guide, and pass down everything they have learned.
Identity Map
Ms Madera's identity map reflects a life shaped by culture, family, and personal growth. Born in New York to parents from Puerto Rico, she developed a strong connection with her father, who secretly taught her Spanish and inspired her love for history and reading. As a curious and open-minded person, she grew into someone who enjoys working with others, balancing multiple responsibilities, and listening to those around her. She values her relationship with God and her family, finding peace and guidance through her faith. She also expresses herself creatively through dancing, crocheting, and cooking with skills passed down from her mother. Currently a Spanish teacher, she hopes to travel in the future to places like Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Switzerland, connecting with both her heritage and with the wider world. Looking ahead, she once dreamed of becoming a lawyer and now hopes one day to become a grandmother, continuing her family’s legacy.
Her
Object
Ms. Madera's object, a deck of affirmation cards, tells a story about connection, purpose, and the blending of her personal faith with her role as a teacher. She first discovered the cards during a visit to the Museum of the Bible over the summer — a trip that deeply inspired her as she explored the history, meaning, and modern influence of the Bible across six immersive floors. While browsing the gift shop at the end of her visit, the cards immediately caught her attention because they were designed specifically for teachers. Each card held a unique message: on one side, a Bible verse that reflects her spiritual foundation, and on the other, a motivational or educational quote that can be shared in any classroom setting. Although she purchased the cards with excitement, they remained at home, almost forgotten, until a simple moment — her son accidentally knocking the box over and sending them scattering across the floor. That accident reintroduced their meaning, reminding her of their purpose and inspiring her to bring them into her teaching life.
The cards represent more than just quotes; they serve as a bridge between her faith and her profession. Ms. Madera values that they allow her to share positivity and encouragement with her students without imposing religion, making them inclusive for everyone regardless of belief. Through messages about curiosity, perseverance, and kindness, she can inspire her students in a way that is both meaningful and accessible. The cards also reflect her belief that teaching goes beyond daily lessons — it's about shaping mindsets and touching lives. Even if a specific message doesn't resonate in one moment, she believes it may impact another student at another time, reinforcing her idea that growth and learning are ongoing. Ultimately, this deck of cards symbolizes how Ms. Madera brings intention, reflection, and inspiration into her classroom, turning simple words into powerful tools for connection and growth.
-Justinn Dorvil & Kendra Flores Gonzalez