Object of Affection: Toro Bull

Can you think of an object that holds sentimental value to you? It may be a blanket, stuffed animal, or even something as simple as a paperweight. Regardless of what it may be, objects can hold valuable memories and feelings that stay with you for your entire life. They may symbolize something in your life that you never want to forget, or they may have comforted you in a time of need. Whatever the story of your object may be, the affection you feel is everlasting. Steven Long, a Spanish teacher here at Braden River High School, recalls his object of affection. “My object of affection is my good friend Toro Bull; my mom gave him to me as a good luck charm 27 years ago. He stays with me because about 13 years ago, I decided to start using him in PowerPoints and in my classroom, and the students got a kick out of seeing goofy pictures of Toro Bull. In 2013, one of my former students who went to Princeton was doing a semester abroad in Spain, and I got the idea of mailing him to her. She took pictures of him, and ever since then, students who have seen Toro Bull in Spain have asked if they could take pictures of him in the country they were visiting. He’s traveled a lot more than I have, and I’m really jealous."

Toro Bull, who is not only admired by Mr. Long, also has the affection of his students. The shared passion for Toro Bull has created a community that unites students through their shared love for exploration and adventure. Toro Bull embodies the spirit of camaraderie, creating an enthusiasm for the journey ahead!

If you want to see what Toro Bull is up to these days, take a look at his Instagram page: @soytorobull!