Together We… Instill Creativity
Scooby Doo chants are just one part of Jacqueline Gonzalez’s strategy to keep program fun as a Site Program Manager at Geddes Elementary in the San Gabriel Valley region. She hosts an annual walk to end homelessness, strives to leave people feeling happier after every conversation and has helped hundreds of students excel at Think Together over the course of 17 years. Read below to learn the chant and hear about Jacqueline’s desired superpower.
You have been with Think Together for almost two decades, what continues to inspire your work?
The success of my students and their overall well-being is what inspires my work. I want to push my students to be the best they can be by offering educational opportunities, creativity, and collaboration. I think the work my team and I offer is so valuable because it not only provides high-quality programs and safe spaces for students, but assures parents their kids are in the best hands. One of my personal joys is seeing how excited the students are to be in program every day! Changing and continuing to change the odds for kids is the greatest mission because every student deserves to have an opportunity, and I am lucky enough to see their happy faces each day.
What was the funniest work moment you have experienced that still makes you laugh today?
It was during an interview. My interviewee asked if I remember her, and she mentioned her daughter had been one of my students when I was a Program Leader. After I recognized her, she mentioned that she uses my attention getter, “When I say Scooby Dooby Do, you say where are you? When I say holy moly, you say holy moly guacamole!” She now works for Think Together and it makes me laugh to know that she still uses the same silly attention getter that I used with her daughter.
What has been your favorite/most proud project to have been a part of while at Think Together?
It would be our annual walk to end homelessness. Every year I look forward to this event because it’s a great cause but also my middle school students have the chance to see the world from a different perspective. Students and their families are so grateful we can come together as a community to be a part of such an amazing event and grow beyond the classroom.
What is one superpower you wish you could have that would benefit you at work? Why?
I wish I had the superpower to have endless creativity. I think this would benefit me at work because it would allow me to unblock old patterns or thinking habits. Creativity can connect reflection with action. I believe that creativity opens the mind, and it nurtures ideas to enrich young minds. It stimulates and motivates me in my career each day.
What is the best piece of advice you have received that you like to share with others?
I have received such good advice over the years, but I have a few that I hold close. First you always want to love what you do. This is essential in my line of work because my love is directly shown through the success of program and student success. Also, spread love everywhere you go and to never let someone walk away without leaving them happier than before they came up to you. I also strive to never be afraid to do the right thing and I hope to pass this along to my students as well.
If you weren’t an SPM or in the education field, what career would you be pursuing?
I always love helping others, so I always wanted to be a social worker. Being able to get the necessary resources for families in need and being an advocator for them is something I always had the passion to do.
Your career has allowed you to support students from early learning to young adults. What does this mean to you, and do you have any student stories that have stuck with you?
One story that stands out to me is about a student I had years ago who struggled to get to our program every day. I ended up creating a plan with him to make sure he showed up and used all our resources. After persistence from both ends, he fell in love with our program and even became a part of my leadership team. Years went by and one day him and his mother came back to visit me wearing a Think Together shirt! I asked if he was now working with the organization and he replied “Yes, I can’t thank you enough for always pushing me to be better each day and be the best I can be.” His mother hugged me and thanked me for never giving up on him. Rarely do you get to see the results of your work in such a real way, but I am so glad I can cherish this moment forever.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
On my free time, I love spending time with my family, shopping, and cooking Mexican food.
