Mia the Cat: Life Lessons for the Beginning of a New School Year

A few months ago, something unexpected arrived at our door. A small cat, whom we soon named Mia, appeared in our home in a critical state—paralysed and threatened by a tick that could have cost her her life.?

With my daughters, we took her to the vet, and Mia recovered after a treatment filled with hope and care. We decided to adopt her, thereby opening a new chapter brimming with valuable lessons.

Caring for Mia reminded me a great deal of those first days at the start of a new school year. Just like our students, Mia needed time to adjust to her new environment, which included our other cat, Lisa.?

At first, she cried and appeared frightened, but with patience and dedication, she gradually found her place. This experience taught me that in both school and personal life, relationships require time, understanding, and above all, lots of love.

Another important lesson was that of responsibility. Welcoming Mia into our home meant taking on new commitments: caring for her, feeding her, tidying up after her, and, most importantly, giving her the affection she needed.?

In our classes at In Spanish, we work with the same spirit. That is why, from the beginning of the school year, we define “classroom agreements,” in which students actively participate in setting the guidelines for living and learning together. This process fosters mutual respect and reinforces a sense of shared responsibility.

There were also moments of trial and error with Mia. At first, she had accidents in inappropriate places—a minor challenge that we resolved after some investigation and experimentation by adjusting her diet.?

Just as in the classroom, every mistake is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. These experiences remind us that making mistakes is simply part of the journey towards success.

The most valuable takeaway is the certainty that when we put love into what we do, the rewards become evident. Whether it is in caring for a loved one or in every class we teach, commitment and affection translate into enriching relationships and an environment that is truly conducive to learning.?

That is why this new school year begins, as always, filled with patience, responsibility, and above all, love for what we do.