Hablemos, Tele

By: Tele Figueroa

May 6, 2026

I have never forgotten that famous question: “Are you ready?” Let’s see why.

Shortly after I was transferred from the Maintenance Department to the HR Training Department at Union Carbide Caribe in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico, my boss asked me if I was “ready” to lead the maintenance training for new hires. “Yes, of course,” I answered almost immediately. He continued, “Well, Tele, after that, we need you to give a three-day presentation at our refinery in Taft, Louisiana. Are you ready?” “Of course I am,” I replied.

But between you and me, that new scenario was a completely different beast. I started giving myself a pep talk for this new adventure and immediately began reviewing the slides day by day.

By the following Saturday, I was at the Taft plant, making sure I was prepared for Monday. The Training Manager, a good friend of mine, welcomed me and offered some encouragement. “You’ll do great, Tele… you’re good.” Many employees said hello and asked the golden question: “Hey, are you ready for tomorrow?” “Of course I am!” I’d reply.

I was amazed to see how many people were happy about my presentation, yet seemingly worried about whether I was truly “ready.” Their concern gave me hope that everything would go perfectly.

That night, I decided to take a walk through the famous and historical French Quarter in New Orleans. There were thousands of people, and naturally, I didn’t recognize a soul. But then, something happened that still makes me wonder how the news leaked to those girls. About ten different women on the street asked me if I was “ready.” My answer to all of them was, “Yes, I’m ready, thanks for asking,” as I kept walking.

I noticed that after I thanked them and moved on, their expressions changed, and they’d shout things at me that, to this day, I don’t understand. Why were so many people in New Orleans so interested in how I felt about my first presentation at the Taft Refinery? I still don’t know.

Does anyone have a clue?