Partners in Education

My name is Ezequiel Madrigal. Although I was born and raised in California, I have called Oklahoma home since 2008. As a first-generation Mexican American, much of my identity is tied to my cultural heritage. Both of my parents immigrated to the United States in the 1980s, and their immense effort and sacrifice to provide education and opportunities for me and my siblings have always been a source of inspiration for me. Growing up in California, I attended a dual-language school due to the community around me. While my first words were technically in Spanish—our home language—I don’t have a clear distinction in my mind between when I learned Spanish and when I learned English. Being bilingual not only opened many doors for me but also allowed me to serve as a guide for my parents and family members as they adapted to life in the United States. These experiences, along with my faith, have been key in shaping my desire to become an educator, guiding young people in their educational journeys and sharing the gift of the Spanish language.

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I am currently in my eighth year of teaching at Edmond North High School, where I teach Spanish levels 2 and 3. Since graduating high school, I’ve known that teaching at the high school level is where I am meant to be. Though it can be challenging, my students make every effort worthwhile and provide me with a deeply rewarding experience. In addition to teaching, I have sponsored various student organizations, including the Spanish Club, Broadcasting, and most recently, our Hispanic Student Organization. Professionally, I have served as the registration chair for the Oklahomans for World Language Teaching Association since the start of my teaching career. Outside of school, I am deeply involved in my church community, where I serve on the production team and have been a youth group leader for over seven years. Recently, I also began graduate coursework toward a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, with the goal of becoming an administrator and continuing to make a meaningful impact in education.

From the moment I first traveled to Mexico as a child to visit family, I developed a love for exploring the world and experiencing the richness and beauty that different people and places have to offer. While I’ve had the privilege of traveling both short- and long-term, my six-week experience in Peru through the Fulbright program was unlike anything I had ever imagined. The trip challenged me academically, allowing me to deepen my language and cultural knowledge. Emotionally and spiritually, I was nourished by the relationships I formed and the connection I felt to the traditions of the Andean cosmovision. The vast, diverse landscapes of Peru left a lasting impression on me. That once-gray area in my mind when I thought of South America and Peru has now been illuminated, and the personal growth I experienced will continue to enrich my classroom and school communities for years to come.