With the school year being only a couple of months in, the new semester has acted as a continuation for the school’s academics and responsibilities while also being a fresh start for all students, teachers, and staff members alike. Two members of the Wolfpack family that are experiencing this new wave of changes are Ms. Martinez and Ms. Navarro. 

  With both being a part of MACES since its opening eight years ago, Martinez and Navarro have played a major role in the science department. However, with the new year also comes new tasks. Earlier this year, Navarro, who was a teacher for classes including AP biology and leadership, was promoted to TSP coordinator. As TSP coordinator, Navarro works with targeted student supports, EL students, and tackles a lot of data. Her taking on this new job meant she had to leave behind her role as a science teacher as well as the Leadership instructor. However, she made sure that her legacy in Leadership would live on. That’s where Ms. Martinez, who teaches biology and AVID, comes into the picture.

  As the new Leadership advisor, Ms. Martinez has some big shoes to fill in after Ms. Navarro’s departure from the role. Martinez has expressed her happiness with her new role, feeling honored and expressing her admiration for Navarro. When asked why she decided to join Leadership, she said, “I was a little hesitant because of the worklife balance that would be needed. Ultimately, I felt I did have the skills that would be beneficial to the group.”

  However, with new roles comes new obstacles. “I think the biggest challenge is just walking into a machine that’s already running and being an extra piece that has to fit,” Martinez said. Despite this, she has adapted to her new environment. Overcoming the challenges by observing and respecting the workspace, keeping in mind that it is a “student-run class” and a collaborative effort at the end of the day. 

 “I just hope MACES can continue to be a place that students want to be…Where they feel safe and where they can feel represented. And I’m part of that,” she said in regards to her hopes for the future. 

  Similarly, Ms. Navarro is also going through an experience akin to that of Martinez, having to adjust to an environment she was mostly unfamiliar with back then. “There are a lot of things that I’m still figuring out day to day in my position and just things that I’ve never experienced before,” she said.

 Furthermore, Navarro has also shared her sentiments towards her previous positions, particularly in the Leadership space. “I miss everything about leadership. From the planning to the long nights, but I still get to experience them and I still get to celebrate them, which is the most important thing. To continue supporting them.” However, Navarro expressed her trust in passing the torch onto Martinez. 

 As science teachers, both have worked very closely in the past. “She’s very organized, a strong advocate for students. So it was easy in terms of being able to transfer all of the systems.” Navarro added on by saying, “She has just been great in terms of being an advocate for students. And if she ever has any questions, it’s really easy because she can just text me.” Even with the switch in roles, Navarro still plans on continuing being a strong advocate for students, allowing them to “open their own doors.”

 Even in a difference of environments and workplaces, both Navarro and Martinez plan to continue to work hard and passionately for the betterment of MACES. Navarro has left a positive impact on the Leadership team. Despite her departure, Martinez has made sure to pick up where she left off, assuring that the leadership team will continue to thrive.