tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6540471114822045290.post4100560439452731659..comments2023-08-19T05:57:04.215-04:00Comments on All Things CNN: Soledad O'Brien writes The Next Big StoryUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6540471114822045290.post-85382111169882500052013-07-31T15:44:06.712-04:002013-07-31T15:44:06.712-04:00Soledad, your mom was my Spanish teacher in high s...Soledad, your mom was my Spanish teacher in high school, back in 1983. I was a typical immature high school kid back then, but I wish that I was mature enough to realize who your mom really was. What a bright, beautiful family. I was the class clown and spent many days in detention as per "mrs Obrien". I see many years later what a remarkable woman she was. And you have become a beautiful successful woman too.....God Bless!<br />AnonymousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6540471114822045290.post-45194303649602933712012-12-14T21:21:19.770-05:002012-12-14T21:21:19.770-05:00I grew up in Smithtown and a few years back I saw ...I grew up in Smithtown and a few years back I saw my Spanish teacher, Mrs. O'Brien in a magazine photo with Soledad for an honoring mothers spread. I thought to myself, "no wonder why Soledad did so well, she had Mrs. O'Brien for a mom!" We never really saw our teacher's skin, but rather our teacher, and yes, it was a VERY white town. I believe the first non white family moved to our area (I was on the newer West side of Smithtown.). <br /><br />She demanded respect and we respected her. She kept her word, loved her pupils and was a woman of integrity. Later, I went to Spain in 10th grade because of her determination to create Spanish speaking students. She was patient, kind and strict all at once. I wish I could parent my children the way she taught her students. I thank you for sharing your mother with us each day. <br /><br />I congratulate you for overcoming the adversity experienced as a child. I know that I have fond memories of my first 17 years growing up there and am sorry for the ignorance of most during that period in Smithtown and quite probably most anytown USA. We still have a great deal to grow more open minded as a society but I feel that the more culturally exposed and educated the area, the further along we are these days..<br /><br />Take care and keep pushing the right buttons with your shoulders back and head held high!, you are an inspiration to all women!<br /><br />Sincerely, <br />Melissa Florio<br />Graduate of Accompsett Elementary, Accompsett Junior High and Smithtown HS West (class of '85)Melissajofloriohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15621321796185444094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6540471114822045290.post-54108224940369330932010-10-23T21:22:05.257-04:002010-10-23T21:22:05.257-04:00Soledad hasn't changed much over the years. I ...Soledad hasn't changed much over the years. I picked her out even before I read the caption.<br />She was and is a real "cutie."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6540471114822045290.post-32729558294283501702010-10-22T18:59:25.606-04:002010-10-22T18:59:25.606-04:00I'm reading this book. I hope it is a bestsell...I'm reading this book. I hope it is a bestseller because from what I've read previously about Soledad and her family, they are all children who not only excelled, but went to Ivy League schools.<br />Good for her and what a marvelous job her parents have done!<br />Soledad is a role model for the Afro-American and Hispanic families<br />living in the United States.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com