For many SR students, the path from going to college after high school seems like a difficult change. But luckily for students, Ms. Alegria, who is the head of the CCC, is very dedicated to helping students overcome their worries for college. Ms. Alegria balances appointments, workshops, and making programs that would benefit the students. “It’s really exciting to help students with their college applications and see where they end up going. It’s cool to be a part of every student’s journey,” she explained.
Ms. Alegria grew up in San Rafael and attended San Rafael High School. She had the opportunity to work at 10000 Degrees at Terra Linda, working with seniors with their college progress and challenges. She would review financial aid, build college lists, and help apply for scholarships. But she knew she wanted to come back to SR. Ms. Alegria graduated from San Rafael High School back in 2016. “I wanted to come back to the community and help students who were like me,” she said.
Being a part of the College Career Center wasn’t always her first option. After graduating from San Rafael High School, she went to California State University, Chico. She went there from 2016 to 2020, where she majored in journalism with a minor in public relations. When she had the opportunity to work at 10000 Degrees, she knew then she wanted to go down the path of helping students.
While Ms. Alegria was at San Rafael High School, she went to a program called College Dream Team, which provided help to students with college progress. “My friends and I would go there after school. Two advisers would help us apply and navigate the whole college process,” she mentioned.
Ms. Alegria is Salvadoran and is the first generation to graduate, along with her sister. While working with 10000 Degrees, she got a new opportunity working for the CCC at San Rafael High School. She didn’t know what to do since it was a big step in her career; her mother and sister encouraged her to take the job. “They mentioned that it would be a very good learning and growing opportunity for me. Also to give back to a community that raised me,” she explained.
From daily meetings with students to responding to emails to making workshops for students, Ms. Alegria makes room for all students’ needs. She makes sure to plan events that students might be interested in, but also workshops that help them think of what they might want to do next. One of her biggest projects that she tries to plan each year is the Career Fair. Where students can connect with different businesses and organizations in the community that give information about internships or jobs that they could be interested in.
“She is a team player and is always willing to collaborate with me and other community-based organizations to better serve the SRHS community,” said Juan Mercado, who works at College of Marin and is the Compass Coordinator for the CCC.
Coming from a Hispanic background, she is able to connect with students whose first language is Spanish. She majored in Spanish when she was in college, allowing her to let students know what different programs were available for them. Knowing that some students may not want to find help due to the language barrier, she makes sure to give them a little heads-up that she is able to help them.
Ms. Alegria sits down with students and families, making a welcoming environment that helps families feel comfortable and understand the different decisions or materials there are for their kids. Ms. Alegria tries to build trust, confidence, and assurance for students so they feel safer. “I used my Spanish to help students, which I think is a really great superpower for me,” she said. Making sure all students have the same opportunity and guidance that benefits their lives to the fullest.
Her colleague, Laura Gonzales, who is the internship coordinator in the CCC, said, “Ms. Alegria regularly puts the needs of students before her own, she shows up even when she isn’t feeling 100%, because she doesn’t want students to miss out on the support they need.”
While helping students, she makes sure to have time for herself. She hangs out with her dog, a six-year-old Labrador, and goes on hikes as a hobby. “I really have been into reading and watering my plants since I have so many, but it really keeps my mind calm with work and everything that I have to do right after,” she explained.
Ms. Alegria embodies a bridge that connects all students with their future. She provides guidance and support for students before they leave for college. “I encourage students to stop by the CCC since we have a big team,” she adds.“If you need help with anything, please let us know. We are always happy to help.”
