By Tessa Chilton
"Do you remember the day you decided to become a teacher? Was it because a wonderful teacher inspired you, or did you just look around the classroom one day and realize, 'This is where I belong'?" These words were written by 10th grader Amina Shale to her Spanish teacher, Teressa Duffee, in 2014.
Teachers have a profound impact on us throughout our lives. Amina Shale ’19, ’22, is a shining example of how a teacher's influence can extend beyond the classroom and continue to shape the world through their students' journeys.
Shale immigrated to the United States from a refugee camp in Kenya in 2004 when she was just six years old. Adjusting to a new country and education system presented challenges for her and her family. As the eldest of 16 siblings, she quickly became her family's main interpreter, assisting with doctor appointments, job interviews and other critical aspects of daily life.
Throughout her education, Shale found solace and guidance in her teachers. Among them was Teressa Duffee, her 10th-grade Spanish teacher. Ms. Duffee's passion for language, compassion for her students and engaging lessons left a lasting impression on Shale. On Ms. Duffee's last day after a 25-year teaching career, Shale wrote her a heartfelt letter.
"We always remember the best teachers. The special ones by their actions, their tone of voice, the look on their face, showed that they cared about us. You were that kind of teacher," wrote Shale.
Shale's experiences with educators like Ms. Duffee fueled her aspirations. “I have high expectations for myself, and everyone else’s high expectations are what’s pushed me,” she reflected. "As the oldest, I always felt that if I didn’t graduate, would my siblings? How do I stop it here with me and not let [language barriers] impact the next kid?"
Shale's journey led her to pursue a background in criminal justice and become passionate about social justice. After closing her international grocery store during the pandemic, she enrolled in the University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) for her second master’s degree in human resources and organizational development. Simultaneously, she founded the More Than A Smile Foundation, a nonprofit advocating for the rights, equality and representation of minority communities in Kentucky.
Additionally, Shale co-founded Louisville Interpreters LLC, an organization dedicated to providing quality and affordable language services to refugees, immigrants and low-income families. Many families in Louisville face language barriers that can disrupt their lives and their children's lives, but the LLC seeks to bridge that gap by providing essential services.
“I wanted to be that person because other people were that person for me,” Shale said.
Shale will graduate this December, filled with ideas on how to positively impact her community. "People are inspiring," she said. I sit and listen to them, and I know there is a solution.”
Ms. Duffee's legacy continues to inspire through the Teressa Duffee Scholarship for Spanish Language Educators, supporting students at UofL. Shale's story is a testament to the lasting influence a teacher can have, reaching far beyond the classroom and into the lives of the community.
Learn more about becoming a teacher and making a difference in the lives of future generations by visiting the CEHD's degree page.
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.