After guiding students through high school and supporting them in their educational needs, instructional aide Yanti Wong retires after 20 years.
Wong retired in April due to health reasons. She was reluctant to part with the staff and students that she had connected with, as they empowered her to continue teaching for many years.
“Last year, I saw a former student [from 10 years ago]. He remembered my name from preschool. He taught me [that] we shouldn’t underestimate students and what we do and say matters to them for years,” Wong said.
Educational specialist teacher Cassaundra Montoya recalls when she worked with Wong to watch the children that they taught grow and thrive.
“[Wong] was always in a positive mood. She took a lot of initiative in doing things around the classroom. We all miss her and wish she didn’t retire,” Montoya said.
Before coming to Walnut, Wong taught preschool and kindergarten at Walnut Elementary. This job led to a career that lasted two decades. From her career in education, Wong has learned a lot about not only her students, but also about herself.
“Life is like a vapor. It’s there in the morning and it’s gone by noon, so I just take it a day at a time,” Wong said. “I’m always grateful to wake up in the morning and enjoy the fresh air. Not everyone has that opportunity.” Ω
