After an eventful two decades of charity work and traveling, Lara Devries is excited to join Lemont High School’s community. Devries is joining the world languages department, introducing the Spanish language to her new students.
Devries came to LHS for her sixth year teaching, excited to meet new students and face new challenges. Previously, she has worked at other schools in the area teaching Spanish.
“I started teaching Spanish, which I never thought that I would love as much as I do,” Devries said.
Even though Devries always had an interest in Spanish, she didn’t fully dive into the language until college.
“I really only took two years,” Devries said. “No one ever really encouraged me to take more than that.”
In college, she furthered her Spanish abilities by studying abroad: twice in Spain and once in Peru.
“It really wasn’t until I moved out to Peru that I started speaking at a level that I would consider [myself] a fluent and comfortable speaker,” Devries said. “Speaking became my strength.”
While in Peru, Devries founded a non-profit organization that offered educational programs.
“I was in, what we consider, charity work,” Devries said. “I lived in South America for pretty much the first 10 years after I graduated college.”
Now in Lemont, Devries is excited to take on new challenges at LHS.
“For me, being a new teacher here, I always like new challenges, so it’s definitely different from what I’m used to. I’m excited for the challenges,” Devries said.
Looking ahead, Devries plans to immerse herself in LHS activities and athletics. But for now, she is busy taking care of her son and Bernedoodle puppy.
“I have a kindergartner, and I just really like being [with him] after school. So, for right now, just focusing on him.” Devries said.
