Dunia, between gardening and other challenges

For women, the day seems to have more than 24 hours, and Dunia Verdecia Tamayo, from the province of Ciego de Avila, ratifies that statement: after a working day dedicated to teaching elementary school children and doing household chores, she still feels like practicing gardening until late at night.

“I have a university degree in Computer Science, a profession I practiced for about six years in my rural community, but there was a shortage of teachers of other subjects, so I didn't hesitate and volunteered,” she said as she worked on a bonsai cherry tree. “Giving up computer science to start teaching other things to nine- and ten-year-olds was a big challenge. I had to learn many things as one more student, hardly a walk in the park for a mother of two small children, but I have always liked a challenge.”

Little by little, Dunia entered a world where the most difficult subject for her was mathematics, but her students were gifted with numbers and the teacher could not be left behind, she recalls.

“My sacrifices and sleepless nights were worth the effort, because it’s comforting to hear from my colleagues from the local high schools that my students excel in knowledge and preparedness for life,” Dunia remarks. “I’m also pleased when I see many of those students become engineers and doctors, but above all good young people who always thank me for having instilled in them that little bug of constant search for knowledge.”

In gardening she found a relaxing hobby. She started by sowing a plant with the help of her two children, and today she has a full garden with more than 200 species ranging from cacti and begonias to orchids and bonsai trees.

“My two boys share this passion: the elder, who followed in my footsteps in computer science, has his own garden, and the younger one, who is fresh out of military service and bound for the university, helps me when he is at home,” she stresses proudly. “Gardening is as fascinating as teaching and a great pleasure, you can take that to the bank!”

Psychologists believe that women gardeners cultivate patience and develop creativity, wisdom and kindness, all distinctive features of this woman who irradiates very good vibes.