Together We…Show Up With Purpose, Empathy and Consistency
“Que la vida es un carnaval, y es más bello vivir cantando” are the lyrics that play through Janice Serenity Palapa’s head as she starts another day as an Assistant Site Coordinator in Orange County. She takes the song’s message of optimism and celebration of life as inspiration to build relationships with local businesses to host food drives, encourage her shy students to take a step out of their comfort zone and create an environment of encouragement. Learn more about Janice’s story below.
What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here.
My “why” comes from a deep belief that every student deserves access to opportunity, support and someone who believes in them no matter what their background is. I was inspired to work at Think Together because of its strong commitment to serving students and families and its focus on changing the odds for kids by providing support beyond the school day. When I look at my students and their families, I often see a younger version of myself and my siblings. I understand the challenges they may be facing and that connection motivates me to show up with patience, empathy and dedication. Being part of an organization that intentionally supports families who need it most, while creating safe and encouraging spaces for students to learn and grow, reminds me daily why this work matters and why I am proud to be a part of Think Together.
What accomplishments have you or your team done that have filled you with the most pride?
One of the accomplishments that fills me with the most pride is the positive impact my team and I have made not only with our students, but also within the larger community. Together, we’ve created a safe and supportive environment where students can feel encouraged to grow and be themselves free of judgement. I am especially proud of the relationships I have built with local businesses that have been incredibly supportive of our program. Through my leadership and strong relationships with community partners, I have hosted several initiatives that have allowed me to give back in meaningful ways. By leveraging these partnerships, I organized and led a Thanksgiving food drive that provided 30 families with complete holiday meals and a Christmas toy drive that helped create a magical holiday season for our students and their families. In addition, these partnerships supported a backpack drive I coordinated with the support of a fellow Assistant Site Coordinator and ensured every student in our summer program received the supplies they needed while helping ease the financial burden on parents.
If you could be a character in any television show or movie, which one would it be? Why?
I would choose to be Mirabel from“Encanto”. She represents resilience, heart and the belief that you don’t need special powers to make a meaningful difference. Mirabel leads with empathy, brings her family together and sees value in others even when they don’t see it in themselves. I connect with her because she supports those around her, uplifts her community and embraces her culture with pride values that align closely with how I work with students and families at Think Together. Like Mirabel, I believe that showing up consistently, building strong relationships and caring deeply can create real change and help others realize their potential. That mindset is something my mom taught me at a young age. Thank you, Mom!
Is there a student story or Think Together moment that has stuck with you?
One of the Think Together moments that has truly stayed with me is the growth of one of my previous students. When she first joined the program, she was very shy and often embarrassed to speak up or participate. She would avoid drawing attention to herself, even when she knew the answer, and struggled with confidence. Through consistent encouragement and the safe and supportive environment created in our Think Together program, she slowly began to come out of her shell. Today, she is a star thinker who actively participates as a greeter and is involved in our folklórico and mariachi activities. Her confidence has grown so much that she has even performed at several district events. Watching her grow from a quiet, unsure student into a confident leader who proudly represents her culture and school is a powerful reminder of the impact Think Together has on students’ confidence, identity and sense of belonging.
What is one song that can instantly uplift your mood? Why?
A song that can instantly uplift my mood is “La Vida es un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz. From the very first beat, it brings energy, joy and a sense of celebration. The song’s message that life has challenges, but we can still find reasons to smile and enjoy the journey resonates deeply with me. Whenever I hear it, I’m reminded to approach each day with optimism and positivity, no matter what the obstacle might be. I strive to create a space where my students and staff feel encouraged, confident, and celebrated . “La Vida es un Carnaval” reminds me that, just like the song, we can focus on the joys, small victories and moments of connection, even on the most difficult days. It inspires me to bring energy, laughter and enthusiasm into the program, helping students believe in themselves and to embrace life with hope and confidence.
It’s 2026! Do you have any professional New Years resolutions for this year?
For 2026, my professional New Year’s resolution is to continue building deeper relationships with students, families and community partners, so that we can provide even more meaningful support and opportunities. I want to focus on creating enriching experiences for students through academic programs, community events or cultural activities and helping them feel confident and valued. I hope to expand partnerships with local businesses and organizations, creating more ways to give back to the community, like we’ve done with a Back-to-School Drive, Thanksgiving feasts and holiday drives. I also want to continue to grow within the organization with the guidance from our very supportive regional leaders, learning from their experiences and strengthening my skills so I can make an even greater impact. Ultimately, my resolution is to keep showing up with purpose, empathy and consistency. I hope to make 2026 a year of growth, opportunity and impact for the students and families we serve.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
Outside of work, I really enjoy spending quality time with my family, friends and Christmas puppy named Shadow. Whether it’s going on outings or just laughing and making memories together, it’s something I cherish. I also take great pride in my work as a florist, where creativity, attention to detail and a genuine passion for design come together in every arrangement I create. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted from selecting the finest flowers to arranging them in a way that tells a story and evokes emotion. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every arrangement is not only visually stunning, but also meaningful and perfectly tailored to the moment it represents. Being a florist allows me to express my artistic vision while upholding a high standard of quality. I find true fulfillment in knowing that my work brings beauty, joy and lasting impressions to others. Lastly, outside of my work, I enjoy slowing down with a matcha drink and taking time to recharge. These moments of balance keep me inspired, energized and ready to bring my best self to my craft, work and life.
