This time of year, most teachers are dreaming about summer — the hurried couple of months that can be enjoyed out of the classroom. This year, Owensboro High School special education assistant Cindy Torrez is not thinking about the end of the school year because it makes her sad. In May, Ms. Cindy as she is known to her students will be saying good-bye to the students, faculty and school that she has called home for 21 years, longer if you count the years she attended OHS as a student.
“I have never dreaded coming to work, not once,” said. “Every day is different and I love that about my job.”
When the current school year began, Torrez noticed that she had slowed down. It’s not uncommon for teachers returning and trying to get into a routine, she said, but she found it was more tired than in years past and saddened by the lack of time on weekends spent with family because it always felt rushed.
She has six grandchildren and enjoys having them spend the night but, with only weekends open due to her school schedule, she has been missing them.
So, Torrez decided that this would be her last year in the classroom with Amy Harper, the special education teacher she has assisted for 19 of her 21 years.
“Amy is like my fourth daughter,” Torrez said. “She always jokes about keeping a room [at her house] ready for me.”
Harper said that she will miss Torrez because she is the most caring, selfless and kind person she has ever known.
“We have been through a lot of life together,” Harper said. “I lost my mom in 2012, and Cindy has filled that void in so many ways. From her grandchildren being born to my son, I have such great memories.”
Torrez will also miss her students, many of whom are with her all day and for more than four years.
“I care for them and I hope they remember that I loved them and did the best I could,” Torrez said.
Harper said that Torrez never wants praise or recognition for what she does, but she “takes good care” of the kids and works very hard.
“The kids will remember how good she is to all of us. She makes sure they have everything they need to be successful — clothes, food, whatever — she wants them to be happy,” Harper said.
Harper said that Torrez has cared for so many kids who have come through the classroom doors and that her impact will be felt for generations. Harper also said that anytime she sees past students, they usually ask how “Ms. Cindy” is.
“And when I tell them she is retiring, they say, ‘Oh no! What are YOU going to do?’” Harper said.
Harper said she isn’t sure, especially since she almost set the classroom on fire not long ago trying to do a craft with her students when Torrez wasn’t there.
The principal jokingly requested that Harper never use the stove when Torrez isn’t there.
Torrez plans to spend more time in Jehovah’s Witness ministry, because she has been unable to do this until now because of her schedule.
She also said that she plans to travel more. One destination will be to see her daughter who lives in Michigan. Until now, she has had to visit on school breaks, but now she can go for extended trips, something that is important to her.
She enjoys cruises, having been on three, and hopes to have one planned soon with her youngest daughter. She also likes to rent a cabin with her daughter and her family and just enjoy nature.
“I like to read, I may pick up some hobbies,” Torrez said. “I feel like my life is full, I don’t feel like anything is missing.”
