Hey Daisy! I hope you are excited for the NEXTies! Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Sure! I am a first-generation Mexican-American and my upbringing is deeply influenced by the hard work and resilience of my migrant farm-working parents and the love of my family. As a migrant family, we spent a lot of time in Michoacan, Mexico. My greatest childhood memories are rooted in spending time with family and celebrating our traditions through our faith, food, and music. My time in Mexico shaped my understanding of my heritage and instilled in me a deep appreciation for my culture.
During my high school years at Watsonville High School, I took advantage of every opportunity to broaden my horizons. This included embarking on a year-long student exchange program in Zurich, Switzerland, followed by a summer exchange in Germany. Through my experiences living in these two countries, I learned German and in doing so, I gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty of diversity and the importance of adaptability. This journey inspired me to approach new experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Upon completing high school, I pursued higher education at UC Santa Cruz, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Global Economics. During my time at UCSC, I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, which deepened my understanding of the power of connection as I lived with a Spanish family. The bonds formed with my host family have become an integral part of my extended support system and 20 years later, I still visit them and we continue to keep in touch.
After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I continued my academic journey at San Jose State University, where I earned a Master’s degree in counseling education and a Pupil Personnel Service (PPS) credential. At SJSU I studied abroad for a 4th time in San Jose, Costa Rica. This milestone allowed me to merge my passion for learning about the educational systems in other countries, and it further contributed to my personal development.
Today, I proudly serve as a school counselor at Watsonville High School, where I was once a student. Additionally, I work as an adjunct counselor at Hartnell College, guiding students on their academic and personal journeys. Furthermore, I hold a certification as a Thanatologist, specializing in Death, Dying, and Bereavement, allowing me to provide compassionate support to those in need.
Looking back I realize I didn’t know how to navigate certain spaces as a migrant and a first-generation college student. However, through the support of caring educators, I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone at an early age which instilled in me the confidence to pursue any goal. I have been blessed to have received the support of mentors, educators, and family. Their support has been a guiding light, and my goal now is to pay it forward by inspiring others to believe in themselves and reach for their dreams. My story is a testament to the power of support and the transformative impact it can have on a person’s life.
How did you get into counseling?
My introduction to working in schools began with an academic internship, where I tutored math with the Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) through the UC Santa Cruz Educational Partnership Center at Watsonville High School. As I transitioned into the role of a college facilitator within the same organization, I witnessed both the power of education and the significant gaps in knowledge among students and families navigating the higher education systems. Being able to support first-generation families by nurturing relationships has become the driving force behind my daily efforts in serving and empowering my community.
As an educator, I strive to promote and contribute to a diverse environment that welcomes individuals of different social, gender, and cultural backgrounds. As a counselor, I lead with love and I am invested in connecting with people through empathy.
What does your day-to-day look like?
A typical day at work is filled with unplanned surprises, purpose and meaning. From guiding students on their academic journey to helping them navigate the college, career, and/or social-emotional situations. At WHS we share one counseling administrative assistant between 9 counselors. She is instrumental in ensuring we meet families and we attend meetings. I would say there is never a dull moment in the life of a high school counselor. When I get home I enjoy walking and spending time with my husband.
How did you get into volunteering?
My guiding principle is to lead with love and to leave things better than how I found them. This philosophy also applies to my interaction with others as I know that volunteering holds the immense power to transform both the volunteer and the community in which one volunteers. For me, my volunteering journey began as I served as a Lector at St. Patrick’s Church, where I discovered the joy of giving back. As I transitioned into becoming a confirmation teacher, I realized the positive impact that serving others was having on those I was serving and on my overall wellness. When I tragically lost my adoptive grandmother, I realized there was a great need for supporting individuals in their grief journeys, especially in the Latinx community. I learned that grief counseling is not billable in the therapeutic field and I noticed there was a need for Spanish-speaking grief counselors. So when there is no one…I became one. I began to volunteer with Hospice of Santa Cruz County in 2018 and discovered a newfound sense of fulfillment in supporting individuals who were grieving a loss. Serving my church and Hospice has been a very rewarding experience in which volunteering has transformed me and aided my community.
What would you recommend to others interested in making a positive impact?
Don’t wait to make a positive difference until “you retire” or “until your children are grown up” or until you “have more time.” I encourage you to find your purpose and to consider making a positive impact today. Every small act of kindness has the power to create ripples of change that can touch the lives of others in ways one could not imagine. My kind recommendation is that people don’t wait. There is a lot of need in our community. Jump on the bandwagon and ask yourself each day, how can I be a beacon of hope for others experiencing obstacles/challenges? Start making a positive difference now, don’t hesitate, our community needs you.
In your words, what is a Hopeologist?
In my opinion, a Hopeologist, is someone who reflects the belief in the transformative power of hope, especially when individuals unite in a community during times of adversity. My guiding philosophy is that students possess the potential to achieve success when they receive support, validation, and a listening ear. I am dedicated to assisting students in cultivating a resilient mindset by fostering a sense of hope, and by instilling a survivor mindset. I know this is possible because I have seen students tap into their inner agency and overcome challenging situations.
Is there anywhere people can go to find your TED talk?
My TEDx talk will become available in 2 months and will be posted on the TEDx Santa Cruz Website (July 2024).
How have your experiences with grief helped you support others who experience grief?
My personal experience with grief has shaped my perspective on how we heal and support others who are going through similar experiences. When I lost my adopted grandmother, I felt the immense pain of losing someone I loved dearly. This heartbreaking moment made me realize the profound impact that grief can have on us both physically and emotionally.
As I witnessed my family’s grief and struggles, I felt the need to support others in their grief journeys. That is when I started to volunteer for Hospice of Santa Cruz County. I began to support youth in their grief journeys by volunteering at Camp Erin, then in 2018, I became a Hospice grief counselor and currently, I serve on the Hospice Board of Directors. As a school counselor, I am responsible for supporting students in their academic, career, and social-emotional journeys. Having an expertise in death, dying and bereavement has allowed me to support students on their grief journeys and help them find comfort and grace amidst their pain. I have led grief groups and I developed the Hope Club at the high school. Through this work I have discovered that grief is not just a journey of sadness, but also a journey of hope. In the end, I have learned that while grief may be a difficult and painful experience, it can also be a transformative one. It is through our shared experiences of grief that we can find strength, support, and ultimately, healing.
Is there anything about the Santa Cruz area you would like to mention?
I live in Watsonville and growing up in a farming community, I was continuously exposed to pesticides. Now that I am older, I have noticed an increase in my allergies and respiratory issues. A friend of mine who works in the medical field mentioned to me that our health is oftentimes determined by our zip code. This statement made me think about my current health challenges and I wonder about the differences between zip codes within Santa Cruz County.
What are you most looking forward to in the rest of 2024?
There are many things I am looking forward to this year, professionally I look forward to seeing my seniors graduate from high school and continuing with their post-secondary plans. I also look forward to seeing how individuals and communities come together to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of others. I’m optimistic about the power of my TEDx talk and the opportunities for connection and the potential for individuals to get inspired and nurture growth through my idea of establishing a Hope Club. On a personal level, I am looking forward to traveling to Japan this summer with my husband and overall look forward to continuing to give back to my community.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I am a person of faith and I strongly believe God guides me to where I need to be.
Thanks Daisy, thats all the questions we have for you! Get your ticket to the NEXTies to come say hi to her and other movers and shakers being highlighted at this years’ May 17th NEXTies awards! See you there!
