Ms. Raquel joined Wisconsin Youth Company in Winter 2019. Ms. Raquel loves to plan activities based on the children’s interests. She created “Builders Day” that occurred on Wednesdays for the children in program at Magee Elementary to create structures using different forms of media. This coming up school year, Ms. Raquel will transition to 4K lead teacher at Magee.
Q1: What has been your favorite memory working at WYC?
It’s so hard to pick one … I would pick a snow memory with the kids. It was more fresh snow on top of snow. The kids were all excited to get out to sled. Once outside, some of the kids wanted to kick around the snow, some wanted to build castles and others were sliding down the hill and spinning on their sleds. Cheeks were rosy from the excitement and chill in the air. Two boys started to chisel away enough to make an opening into the snow. One boy dug was such vigor that he was able to fit all of himself up to his shoulders into his creation. He laid on his back and looked up at the sky with his hands behind his head. It was a beautiful and serene scene the kids painted before me with their enjoyment of the fresh fallen snow. I also liked to see how each one had a different idea of how to use the snow to enjoy themselves.
Q2: What is the most important thing you learned as a child that still applies today?
A teacher who treats children kindly is remembered for a very very long time.
Q3: Who was a mentor you looked up to when you were younger? Why did you look up to them?
When I was younger, my mentor was my sister. I looked up to her because she knew how to get good grades, make friends easily, and live life effortlessly and with a passion that not a lot of other kids knew how to do.
Q4: What is your favorite part about working with kids?
My favorite part is getting to know the kids and thinking of ways to help them have a better day. I know I’ve done my job when I see the smile spread across their face and understanding that they know I care.
Say “hi” to Ms. Raquel next time you see her!
