Echo Spring 2021 - 11

for working with them. I'm not 100%
fluent [in Spanish], but it's one of those
things that if I can communicate with
them on a basic level, they can feel that
they have another connection in the
building, " she said.
Part of working with these families has
been reaching out to parents of ESL
students. For instance, when parents
have questions about district-wide news
or announcements, Cruz is there to help.
Cruz also sends out a newsletter to the
families of ESL students to keep them
informed and connected.
One of the largest challenges Cruz has
faced has been navigating the virtual
education world. She and her colleagues
have done their best to find creative
ways to connect with families and
students while continuing to provide
quality resources.
Cruz credits much of her professional
readiness to her professors at LBC.
" Melissa Boas helped me grow and
learn a lot, " Cruz said. " She did a lot to
prepare us-encouraging us to be active
participants and taking ownership over
our education. She exemplified things
I wanted to emulate in myself as a
counselor. "
She also credits Dr. Freeman Chakara
and Praveen Rudra ('16) in the Counseling
& Social Work Department for impacting
her education. One thing they taught
her was the importance of being a
lifelong learner. And Cruz is thankful
When thinking back on her educational
journey, Cruz reflects on the importance
of being intentional with those with
whom she interacts. " The students you
work with now are the next generation
of thinkers and doers, " she said, " so taking
the time to be intentional with them as
they establish meaningful patterns in
their lives is something not to be taken
lightly. "
(Ready to learn more about the 4+1
program in Professional School
Counseling? Visit lbc.edu/schoolcounseling.)
that
each of them impressed that lesson
on her. She has been encouraged to
continue learning regardless of what
season of life she is in.
Scott Long
Grace Cruz
ECHO 11
https://www.lbc.edu/undergraduate/academics/majors/school-counseling/
Echo Spring 2021

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