Mrs. Beatriz Smith

I am Beatriz Puyol Smith. I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. My husband Ron is from Indiana and we have a daughter named Veronica who is 24 years old. Veronica went to study in Madrid soon after she graduated from High School and she still there!

I have an older brother, Javier, and a younger sister, Laura. Both have their families too. I also have many nieces and nephews.

My daughter, brother, and my mother live in Madrid. My sister lives with her family in the United Arab Emirates where her husband is working. We are all over the World! And because of this, every summer we all make plans to meet in Madrid and together we take a trip, usually to the north part of Spain. We really cherish this time together!

I also have family in Indiana. During the Spanish Civil War, my grandmother’s sister left the country with her husband and went to live in Mexico. One of their sons became a doctor and came with his family to live in Indiana to work at Lily. They have been a great support for me over my years here in Indiana.

Since I was very young, I remember my parents emphasizing the importance of learning other languages. My first school was a French immersion school where I learn to speak French. We also learned English in school. I was an exchange student at Speedway High School here in Indiana during my sophomore year. Yes, you guessed it! That is where I met my future husband.

I studied Political Science and Sociology in Madrid. When I came to the United States, I decided politics was not my thing and I really wanted to become a teacher. I went back to college to get my teaching credentials. Last December, I received my master’s degree in school administration from Butler university. Now, I am back in school! At Purdue! I love learning because it helps me grow and become a better teacher, but it is challenging at times.

In 2010, I became a naturalized citizen of the United States. I still have double citizenship though. I love this country, but my memories and traditions from Spain are deeply embedded in my heart. Some of my most memorable traditions are just getting together as a family with my grandparents in the weekends and going to the countryside. On special days, my mother would cook paella. Nobody makes it like my mom! Christmas time was a special time in our family. I miss my family every day! Every morning, on my way to work, I talk with my mom the whole ride.

I am blessed to be a teacher. I love teaching and connect to my students. I want all students to be proud of their heritage, whatever it is. I believe they all can do great things.

I also enjoy being outdoors, being with friends and family, running, and doing projects in my house.

Thank you for your interest!

Beatriz Smith