Taurina Macias – late shift, 12:30 to 8 pm

   For over four years, Macias has brought an infectious exuberance to her work every day. Interacting with and learning about the students and adults gives her the joy to keep getting better at what she does.

   “The thing that I love most is that now, the kids know me and every time they see me, it’s a smile from them to me,” Macias said in Spanish with a warm smile of her own. “I feel really happy with the kids because they already know that I’m a custodian, that I work, and that I help them. With a smile, they say a lot to me.”

   Because Macias speaks little English, her greatest challenge is the language barrier.

   “[Students don’t know] that I don’t know any English,” she said with a laugh. “It is more difficult for me because […] I would like to be able to express myself much better with the adults and kids.”

   Macias’ route encompasses the counselors’ offices, music building, choir room, and lunch area. Prior to coming to Gabrielino, Macias worked at Roosevelt Elementary. Now that she is in a full time position, she sees herself at Gabrielino until she “can’t work anymore”.

   “My biggest goal that I have here […] is to continue working every day better and better,” Macias said. “To be able to cooperate and help with the children in everything that I can that is within my reach.”