Nature’s Lab staffers are hailed on Mexico’s national Día del Maestro (Teachers’ Day). Mexican Consul General for Sacramento, Christian Tonatiuh González Jiménez, joins school founder Silvia Anderson (left) to present an appreciation certificate to teacher Janet Avalos.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - When Christian Tonatiuh González Jiménez recently visited Nature’s Lab School in Carmichael, pupils got their first taste of international diplomacy.

They might not have expected the Mexican Consul General for Sacramento to talk about movies or to crouch kid-level to relace a student’s tiny shoe. But that’s what this spritely Consul General did.  

“It was the first time he’d visited a school as a diplomat,” noted Nature’s Lab founder Silvia Anderson. “The children absolutely adored him. They’re too young to understand what a Consul General is, but they knew he was important - and he was really nice to them.”

“The families loved how he talked about important topics, in a child-friendly way. Our school’s core values are community, kindness, respect, understanding and curiosity – and we teach the importance of being bilingual.  The Consul General connected all these values so well. He shared why his job supported relationships with neighboring countries.”

The school’s 33 pupils accessorized for the visit with flag hats. The visitor greeted everyone with “Hola, como estas? I am Christian.”

He then sat on a stage floor, facing the curiosity of little people in little chairs.  

Children: “What is your favorite color?”

Consul: “It’s blue.”

Children: “What is the best part of your job?”

Consul: “I get to meet so many great people – like you!”

A former United Nations representative for Mexico, Consul General González exhibited seasoned diplomacy. “The most interesting thing about people is their diversity,” he told students. “It doesn’t matter if a child wears a red dress, or another prefers a green tee-shirt. You are all beautiful. It’s important to be kind and respectful, and to help others.”

The Consul General admired home-made Mexican flags but said he also loved America’s Stars and Stripes “Mexico and America are great Amigos,” he said. “We are neighbors and friends. We work together.”

Nature’s Lab was chosen as a consular destination because campus founder Silvia Anderson is a Mexican Columbian American. Staffers share Latin roots and lessons are in English and Spanish. Consul General González gave this policy his thumbs-up. “Being bi-lingual is going to be so important to your careers,” he predicted. “I am still working on my English – maybe you can help me improve it?”

Consul General González’s stopover coincided with Mexico’s Dia del Maestro (Teacher Appreciation Day). He presented certificates of recognition and hugs to nine educators. “We love our teachers,” enthused the dignitary. 

Scheduled for 30 minutes, his stopover stretched to more than an hour. After lemonade and many more hugs, the visitor bid adios to dozens of new friends. 

“An experience like this can shape children’s and community interests,” considered school founder Silva Anderson. “Our students, their families and the teachers were honored to have our values recognized in such a meaningful way, by such a fine visitor.”  

For information on Nature’s Lab school, visit www.natureslabschool.com