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This Sunday May 25th is Mother’s Day in the Dominican Republic, so in celebration of all the fabulous Casa de Campo mothers we have here, we asked a few members of our community, “what is it that makes your mom so special?” We hope you enjoy this celebration of those very special people who gave us life!
Here we introduce Juan Geraldino and his mother Hilda Alvarez. Juan’s mother, Hilda is the headmistress, founder and owner of the Colegio Saint John school in La Romana, and now Juan himself works alongside his mother in the family business as communications and public relations manager at Saint John.
@cdcliving: What makes you feel proud of your mother?
I think that every son feels proud of his mother and it would be a little bit selfish of me to say that mine is best. To answer your question, I would say that my mother has shown me what it is to live a dignified life, filled with hard work, happiness and love, to surround myself with family and friends. She has taught me how to value the little things, how to stand on both my feet and be proud of who I am. She has left a legacy for all her children. My mother, was and still is a visionary in the town of La Romana, starting her own business in a time where mostly, only men were seen fit to run an institution. She has been a mother not only to her children, but all of those who have gone through her classrooms. She is always a good shoulder to lean on and someone who will support you no matter what adversities you are facing.
@cdcliving: What makes your mom special?
Her heart. All mothers love, but mine, has not only found it in her heart to love her three children, but all the other 500 she has at school. She is selfless in all acts when it comes to kids, and that is, the one thing I think that sets her apart.
@cdcliving: What does your mom does best?
Teach. I think it comes naturally to her after all those years working with children. I do not only speak for myself, but too for all her other children as she calls them dearly (her students at Saint John), when I say this is one of the things she does best. I also think that she is an extremely good listener, one that can be there for you and look at all the sides of the story and give you an honest, non-judgmental piece of advice.
@cdcliving: In what way are you like your mom?
This one is easy. Our temper. We are both hot headed individuals, which is an understatement. We are also very passionate about what we set our minds to, and we don’t give up on what we want, which I think, is the biggest quality we both share.
@cdcliving: How does it feel to be working alongside you mom in the family business?
Even if it wasn’t my ideal job it has become a real integral part of my life. I have learned to enjoy many aspects of working at a school and have discovered other passions, such as teaching, which has led me to think a career change might be in order. Working with her has changed me in a very positive way. She has shown me what it takes to make a business succeed, which is not only hard work, but love.
@cdcliving: What do you enjoy doing with your mom in your spare time?
I would say that what my mother and I enjoy to do together the most is being lazy. Just sit around and relax, have a conversation and eat. We enjoy being at home. Recently I have discovered a new-found joy for cooking, which I would like to share with her, seeing that she is an excellent cook and I could learn a few things from her.
Thank you Juan, and congratulations Hilda – what a fantastic son you have!
Remember! The Casa de Campo restaurants are offering a number of special menus for Mother’s Day, click here to find out more.
Is your mom special? If you want us to feature your mom in Casa de Campo Living, please contact us immediately and we’ll do our best to include her.
Email: rhughes@silgon.net