This article is from the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune
Wed, Aug 25, 2004

Teacher passionate about U.S.

Name: Sandra Derickson, 58, born in Puerto Rico and arrived in Wisconsin Rapids 17 years ago. Her previous residences include Washington, D.C., Missouri, Illinois, Arizona and North Dakota.

Family: Married to Norvel "Butch" Derickson for 33 years, mother to Elke (Brad) Hinze, Elisa Derickson and Vannessa Derickson and grandmother to Ashton, 8, Tanner, 3, and Ryan, 7 months.

Most recent employment: One of two Spanish teachers at East Junior High School in Wisconsin Rapids
How she makes it happen: In addition to teaching, Derickson volunteers at the annual honors breakfast for students and hosts exchange students visiting or studying in the area. She has worked with the Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas Inc. as an interpreter and is called on by area organizations, Riverview Hospital and law enforcement to serve as an interpreter. She is also a member of Calvary Baptist Church.


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What was your first job? I was 13 years old and my parents had a business where they sold all sorts of T-shirts for children and uniforms. We helped sew buttons, fold clothes and bag them. My sister, Velma, and I went around and sold extra shirts in the neighborhood every Saturday. On a good day we'd make $50. My sister always asked to buy a bottle of Coke, which cost us 6 cents in those days, but I never would because I wanted to bring back all the money to my mother.

What class did you like best? English and Spanish. Languages were always for me. I also loved to read. When I was a little girl we'd read all the classics in English, and they were not watered-down versions either. The books were just like they are for native speakers.

Which class did you like least? Anything to do with math. (Laughing)
At what age did you feel like you became an adult? I always felt I was pretty much since my teenage years, but in terms of my culture, I'd say once I got married. I was 24 when I met my husband and still living with my parents, as most women did in my culture.
What energizes you? After my family, I'd say when I'm involved with my students. Teaching them and seeing them learn is exciting.

What's one thing people don't know about you? I think that it's how deeply I value this country. If someone bad-mouths the U.S. in front of me, or the president, regardless of who it is, I become very passionate, fanatical almost.

What's your most useless talent? I think I'm a great dancer. I know how to merengue and salsa. I used to dance, but not much anymore.

Whom do you admire? Wow, you could have several people for that. I think one person that comes to mind for me is Nelson Mandela, for all the obvious reasons. Oprah Winfrey for the way she raised herself from poverty. But I think it's my parents I admire most. They were very poor, but had a great work ethic and a vision for all of us kids to go to study at university either in Puerto Rico or the U.S. They really instilled a love for reading and learning.

Whom would you not want to be? I wouldn't want to be Hitler. To be remembered by all the atrocities he committed is awful.

What's the best advice you've ever received? It's from my parents. To always serve and know the Lord, and everything in my life will fall into place.

What's one thing you would change about your community? One thing that burdens my heart is that we have homeless children in Wisconsin Rapids, and I would like to see that change.

What's the most powerful lesson you've ever learned? This also is from my parents, (laughing), I said they taught us a lot. My parents were firm believers in hard work and never waiting for someone to bring things or success to you, but to go out and get it yourself. They lived that.

How do you define success at this point in your life? Having raised three children that are responsible adults. Having a loving husband and still being very much in love after 33 years of marriage and enjoying the work I do.

What makes you laugh the hardest or smile the widest? My grandchildren. Especially the 8-year-old. He's so funny sometimes it's unreal. (Laughing)
What gives you the blues? That's easy to answer. The situation we have in Iraq right now.

What has been your greatest success? My marriage and my family.

What has been your worst setback? When we got married, we were married in a double wedding with my sister. Not long after that, my sisters' husband died in a tragic accident and my niece, Martha, was only 5 years old. That was a very hard time.

If they modeled a reality TV show after your life, what would they call it? "Happiness is not bought, it's earned."
What do people like about you? My personality. Because I never act like a stranger to people. I accept people and I take them as they are, regardless of their race or looks.

What do you want written about you in your obituary? I have thought about that before. I want it to include that she laughed a lot and loved much.
Antoinette Rahn,
Daily Tribune staff