What inspired you to become Esperanza’s principal?

• “Esperanza’s a great school. It has a great reputation, and in my own personal career I was ready to become a principal and I was looking for a good opportunity and when I saw this job come up I thought this isn’t just a good opportunity, this is a great opportunity. I jumped at the chance to be a principal and I was lucky enough to be selected and I’m honored to be here.”

Do you have any new ideas you are bringing forth this school year?

• “I always have ideas but right now I’m in a learning phase. There’s a lot going on. It’s a big campus. There’s lots of programs I really want to learn about the school right now to the best of my ability and then once I feel like I have a really good idea of things maybe looking at areas where we can make changes.”

What was your previous job? What was your first job?

• “My previous job, I was an assistant principal at Warren High school which is in Downey. I worked there for 12 years and then 5 years prior to that as a teacher in Downey. My first job, I actually was a phone receptionist. 15 ½ as soon as I could get my workers permit I got a job answering phones and directing people to the right place. It was a summer job I had.”

Would you rather live in the countryside or the big city?

• “That’s a tough question. My background, My degree in college is ecology and systematic biology which is really just environmental biology. When I went to school  I thought to myself I’m gonna live in the woods by myself, it’s gonna be great, I just love nature but then I fell in love with a girl who was a fashion design major and she wanted to live in either LA or NY. We settled where we live now but I do love nature and I think maybe one day maybe when I retire I’ll move somewhere a little less busy and enjoy that.”

What is your favorite thing about working at Esperanza?

• “It is the students. I have found all of the students to be so welcoming and friendly and kind. I got into education because I like kids. I like hanging out with them. High School students are funny. They are in that interesting time where they are growing up and becoming adults  so they can think really well. I love being around kids and the fun and excitement and joy that they bring and the students here have just been amazing.”