Abel Gutierrez, Math Department

What is your favorite thing to order from the Panda Cafe?

The carnitas tacos.

What do you love about the all-girls environment at Immaculate Heart?

I love the fact that the all-girls environment does not fit the stereotype of what some may think happens at an all-girls school. Before working here, people would warn me about dealing with “drama” and I am pleased that that has not been the case at all. The students at IH are very cooperative and they empower each other.

What does “Women of Great Heart & Right Conscience” mean to you?

“Women of Great Heart & Right Conscience” is not just a phrase or a slogan. It is who the students are. I am proud to say I have a small part in that formation.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the corner of the deck outside the cafeteria. From there, I can see the whole campus, the rest of Los Angeles, and all the way down to the harbor on a clear day. I realize I can see where a lot of our students live from that location. Being able to connect to the city and to their homes is important to me.

How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was tutoring in college and I started to make a difference to my peers. The reward of having students not only learn but persevere in their college career was my motivation to continue down the path of education.

What has been your favorite place to travel? Where would you like to travel next?

I had an opportunity to visit Kenya. I traveled to various cities and crossed the equator twice while driving in a large loop around the country. The experience was made great by the diversity of people and their cultures. Where would I like to travel next? At this point, anywhere would do!

Immaculate Heart High School & Middle School

5515 Franklin Avenue • Los Angeles, California 90028
phone: (323) 461-3651 • fax: (323) 462-0610

A Catholic, independent college preparatory school for girls in grades 6 through 12, Immaculate Heart has been located on a beautiful hillside property in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles since our founding by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1906. We celebrate more than a century of nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, social and moral development of students as they distinguish themselves as women of great heart and right conscience.