Educator Spotlight: Grace

Grace Romero

Nutrition Educator

Grace is a New Mexico native who grew up in Belen but currently lives in Albuquerque! She works at Hodgin Elementary.

Read on to find out more about Grace, what she loves about Kids Cook! and her experience eating fresh fruit in Costa Rica!

Before working at Kids Cook! what was the most interesting job you’ve had?

Before working at Kids Cook! I did a few things but my favorite was tutoring and getting to build relationships with my students.

What have you gained from working at Kids Cook! ?

I have gained lots of patience, and the understanding that external things are not in my control. All I have is how I react to whatever is thrown my way.

What three words would you use to describe working at Kids Cook!?

Controlled Chaos, Demanding

Do you have a favorite quote or motivational phrase?

I remember when I was little my dad told me that "someone will always be better than you, no matter how hard you try." He told me this to make me realize that I needed to stop comparing myself to others, to focus on myself. The only person you should ever compare yourself to is who you were yesterday. Every day making the choice to be kinder, more compassionate, respond with more empathy, gaining more patience and perspective with each day to make better decisions tomorrow.

How would you describe yourself as a 10-year-old?

I was a chunky kid, always jumping around and staying moving.

What three things would you want if you were alone on an island?

1) I would want to take a nap in the sun (hopefully I have sunscreen).
2) I would want to eat fresh fruit.
3) I would want to make friends with the animals.

If you could be anyone for a day, who would you choose and why?

If I could be anyone for a day I would like to be my great-grandma so I could write down all of her recipes.

Where is the best place you've traveled to and why?

In high school I went on a trip to Costa Rica and it was so beautiful and the food was delicious. I remember we went to a pineapple field and the guide pulled it right off the plant and cut it up for us to eat and that was the best fruit I've ever had. From fresh cacao and coffee beans to all the rice, fruits, and veggies.

What is the most important thing you've learned in the last five years?

The most important thing I have learned is that hard work and perseverance will get you through anything you think you can't get make it through. All you can really do is take things how they come because there is nothing you can do about what happens to you. You can just change what happens after that.