Together We…Are Student Advocates
Over her nine years with Think Together, Veronica Vallejo is known for her outstanding work and passion for student advocacy. Veronica has built a successful program at Cielo Vista Charter School in Palm Springs, which serves over 150 students in grades TK through eighth grade. As site coordinator, Veronica ensures her program is student-centered and develops her program leaders to be student advocates. Veronica created a strong partnership with principals and parents at Cielo Vista, exemplifying our mission to partner with schools to change the odds for kids. Together, they develop an engaging program that continues to draw in students to be a part of the Think Together program.
What is your Think Together “why?”
When I first started at Think Together, just like most of us, I had no why. Working for Think Together sounded interesting, and I went for it! After my first year as a substitute program leader, I found my “why.” I was able to see myself in my students and I wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger. This passion has driven me in my work for the past nine years!
What is one thing your team has accomplished that you are proud of?
My team’s biggest challenge and accomplishment this year was growing from a small average daily attendance of 50 to 163 students enrolled. Our site has grown in ways we could not have imagined.
Last year, our afterschool program was up for budget reductions due to low attendance. This year, we needed more staff and more funding to serve all the students who applied to be a part of the program. I am very proud of myself and my team for making the Think Together afterschool program at Cielo Vista a place where kids want to be.
Is there a student story that has stuck with you?
A few years ago, I ran into a former student of mine from my days as a program leader. He walked up to me and let me know he had just graduated from high school. I was his program leader when he was in the 6th grade, and he wanted to thank me for always being myself and being proud of who I was. He let me know that since I had no shame in who I was, he felt that he could come out and live confidently being who he is. Representation in all forms matters and that is why I continue to live proud of who I am.
What is the best piece of advice you have received that you like to share with others?
As a site coordinator, whenever I have a new program leader placed at my site, I ask them to sit and remember why they might have the trauma they have. As educators, we should look back at everything we went through during our younger years and remember that the students we work with are likely going through similar challenges right now. I remind them to be who they needed at their age and to be conscious of the experiences they are giving them. The goal is for all students to walk away from their class years later and think “This person was the person I needed”.
What do you hope that the students will take with them as they finish the school year?
I hope they take away EXCITEMENT for the upcoming year! This year was filled with trial and error, but we eventually found our balance. My only wish is that they can’t wait to come back to Think Together in the Fall!
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and pets. I enjoy traveling across the country, camping, and playing video games. Fun fact, I get paid to play video games on weekends!
