Guillermo Eguidazu Chapa. 43rd Class of 2000.
I live in Champaign, Illinois, USA since January 2019.
I am the CEO of Viscofan (IBEX35) in the United States.
The country is impressive, with easy access to all the services and products you could want (watch out for the Burgers that are going strong) and a huge variety of places to visit. From the beaches of Florida or California, to the skyscrapers of New York or Chicago, or the national parks of Utah. The most positive thing about US citizens is their openness and hospitality, as well as their incredible pride in belonging to their country, something we should learn from...
The last time was 2 years ago, as we organised a football match between friends, 90% gazteluetos and some Urdaneta infiltrators.
I have great memories of the trips to the bush when we were in primary school. I remember that I forgot my sandwich several times and I had to ask for "chaos" from my colleagues, who gave me the finger so that it wouldn't be too big. Of course, I bit off a finger or two. I remember very well the training and weekend matches with the national football team, especially the "derby" against Munabe, which we used to win, and the music performances at the Christmas festivals. There were events all year round...
It is especially noticeable in the education and values that were instilled in us and that we pass on today. We left school with some fundamental pillars that are fundamental to progress in any country in the world. Wherever you go, good education, companionship and honesty are values that open doors. The friends we made at school are for life, because although we are all different, we are united by values that will always be there. There are many generations that testify to the "Gaztelueta touch".
Yes, possibly one day, the earth will pull, but today we are very happy in the USA living the American dream.
Many teachers have left their mark on me. Of course Don Nathan Matthews with his "PTC"; Don Luis Crovetto, Don Roberto Ronda, Don Iñaki Izco or Don Mikel Elia, they have put up with us for many years and we owe them a lot.
They should have confidence in themselves because when you leave Gaztelueta you already have a foundation that makes a difference wherever you go. It is essential to keep in touch with school friends, because they will always be there no matter how much time passes. And to enjoy life...
