Beloved Teacher Dies After Tragic Accident
Piera Medico, a beloved teacher who dedicated herself to helping immigrants enrich their lives through education, died unexpectedly after being hit by a vehicle in a pedestrian crossing. She was just weeks shy of turning 65.
Medico was known for her passion for teaching, always going above and beyond to support her students at the CPIA, a school for adults in Castello d’Annone, Italy. She had a special talent for connecting with students who were rebuilding their lives, guiding them towards a better future through her tireless dedication to teaching Italian and history.
The accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon. “She couldn’t wait to return to her students after a lunch break,” remembered a colleague.
Tragically, the pedestrian crossing near the school had been a safety concern for her. She had repeatedly expressed her worries, urging for a proper investigation into its possible dangers. Felled by the impact, Medico remained conscious and alert, even asking about her students, demonstrating her unwavering devotion to her work.
Despite immediate medical attention, Medico’s injuries proved fatal. After a short stay in the emergency room, she returned home with her companion, Enzo Sobrino, a longtime labor leader in Asti.
It was during the night that Piera Medico passed away peacefully in her sleep, succumbing to an embolism.
News of her sudden passing sent ripples through the entire community, leaving colleagues and students heartbroken.
"We were like Sandra and Raimondo," wrote Mario Malandrone, a fellow educator and close friend who rushed to her side after the accident. "From the ground, after the accident, you asked me how much I loved you from 1 to 10. I told you 9. I had to say more."
Malandrone’s words accurately capture the essence of Mosquito’s impact: dedicated, passionate, prioritizing her students above all else.
"You were prepared, very painstaking, you were a well of passion and preparation," he wrote, reflecting on his friend’s unwavering dedication. "Nothing escaped you. You didn’t miss the students’ crises, their nuances. You looked for them, you felt them, you perceived them, you prepared them and you never gave up on them.
You often said, "The operation begins, save the soldier." And you set out to really save the student from dispersing. And so for years you pampered them, kept them like second children.
We will miss you, all of them, and your cultured and courageous school will be missed."
Nicoletta Fasano, a student at the school, also shared her grief through social media, a touching tribute to the dignity and bond shared amongst them, "And now? We had planned many things to do together, the regional competition, the exhibition, the day of remembrance and then who knows how many more. My chat is full of your messages. Last Saturday was a success, you were very happy and proud of everyone. If I didn’t answer your calls right away, you kept looking for me."
The news of Medico’s passing brought forth a wave of grief, but also heartfelt praise for the woman who touched so many lives. She will be remembered as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of education. Her colleagues and students lament the loss of a truly remarkable teacher, a soul filled with kindness and dedication.
How did Piera Medico help her students build resilience and hope, given their significant life challenges as immigrants?
A Community Mourns: Remembering Piera Medico
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Mario Malandrone, a close friend and colleague of Piera Medico, the beloved teacher who tragically passed away earlier this week. Mario, thank you for being with us during this difficult time.
**Mario:** Thank you for having me. It’s still difficult to believe Piera is gone.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us a little bit about Piera and the impact she had on her students?
**Mario:** Piera was more than just a teacher; she was a guiding light for so many of her students. At the CPIA, she worked with adults, many of whom were immigrants rebuilding their lives. She had this incredible ability to connect with them, to understand their struggles, and inspire them to pursue their dreams. She taught Italian and history, but she also taught them resilience and hope.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that Piera was deeply passionate about her work.
**Mario:** Oh, absolutely. Teaching wasn’t just a job for Piera; it was a calling. She poured her heart and soul into it. Even after being injured in the accident, her first thought wasn’t about herself, but about getting back to her students.
**Interviewer:** That speaks volumes about her character. It’s also heartbreaking to learn about the circumstances surrounding the accident. Apparently, Piera had raised concerns about the safety of the pedestrian crossing near the school.
**Mario:** Yes, she had been worried about it for some time. It’s a tragedy that those concerns weren’t addressed before this happened.
**Interviewer:** This loss has undoubtedly left a huge void in the community.
**Mario:** It has. Students, colleagues, friends – we’re all still reeling from the news. Piera touched so many lives. We’ll remember her warmth, her kindness, and her unwavering dedication to her students.
