Principal Dina Takes Over
Ms. Dinorah “Dina” Rechani was born in Puerto Rico but was raised all over the continent. With a major in journalism from Temple University and a Masters Degree in Education and Guidance and Counseling from Bowling Green State University, Ms. Dina has not only taught in three different countries, but she has also inspired the lives of many. As our new Middle and High School Principal, with an extremely busy schedule, she was kind enough to give us a few words about her professional life.
K: Ms. Dina, what originally sparked your interest in education?
D: When I arrived in Colombia, I was 24 years old, and I thought I was going to be working in communications, like I had studied, but they told me I needed to validate my degree over there, which was weird because I thought a degree from the United States would be admitted anywhere I went, but for some reason, it wasn’t. So, in my visa they stamped that I was a housewife, and… I was furious. Therefore, I started doing tutoring because of my interest in English and then I started substituting in an elementary school. Before I knew it, I had become a teacher without even planning on it...and I couldn’t see myself doing absolutely anything else with my life; that’s why I got my masters in education.
K: What was it like going from a teacher to the director of both middle and high school here at CPS in such a short notice? How is it going? What do you like most about it?
D: I never imagined myself working as a principal principle; I always thought I would never like it. Then, suddenly, it just appeared in front of me. It was a decision I made, to be honest, thinking about the students. I want to make sure the students get what they need. It has been overwhelming. It has been a huge challenge, but I love challenges. It has been a learning experience, but I love to learn. I’m very happy and I’m very satisfied and I’m thrilled. Knowing I’m not only guiding the students, but also the teachers as well as the parents. Knowing that I can help. Knowing that I get to guide this entire ship… It’s a great feeling. Not to mention that I also have a fabulous boss! Dr. Austen is my mentor and I have learned so much from him. He always finds something positive in the way I’ve handled something. He is such a great boss.
K: What are your goals and aspirations for this new school year?
D: I want this school to become an outstanding school. I think it is already an excellent school. I want it to be outstanding. I want people to be happy to come here. I want people to know they are heard. I want people to walk out of this school knowing that this is the best school they could’ve chosen.
K: What are your favorite hobbies?
D: My hobby right now is definitely my dog, Milou. I am in love with my dog. I love to talk about him, take pictures of him and I find that he’s the cutest dog ever.
K: Same
D: [laughs]
K: What did Jay-Z call his girlfriend before they got married?
D: Umm… the Beyoncé girl? I don’t know. What?
K: Feyoncé
D: [laughs] Karina you are too funny!
K: Thank you. What do you like the most about Commonwealth?
D: The people. The variety, the personalities, the kindness, the respect and tolerance. I love the people here. That’s what really makes up the school I love.
K: What would you like your legacy to be? What do you want to be remembered for?
D: Legacy… I want to be remembered as someone who smiled, who cared, knowing that I gave my best to give the best to everyone. To show people they can accept who they are and be fabulous.
Ms. Dina will not only leave a smile in our faces, but she will leave us with knowledge that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Ms. Dina, for the kind and inspirational words.
