You may have seen a few new faces on campus recently. One of these new staff members is our new college and career counselor, Mrs. Natalia Vazquez.

Vazquez’s job as a college and career counselor is to speak with students about their plans for the future and how to achieve these goals. A big part of her job is motivating students to achieve their wants and desires by helping students see the reality of these goals.

Something Vazquez wants students to think hard about, “What do you dream about having and doing and how are you going to get there.”  Students have to have a beginning in order to get things going for them, whether it be a job idea or a college choice.

She does realize that “Everyone takes a different path.”  She is willing to work with students to help them see their potential and the opportunities that are available to them.

Vazquez always wanted to work with children and education. She worked in Mariposa County for two years as an elementary school teacher. She enjoyed teaching but enjoys the difference of counseling. 

Vazquez commutes from Merced. She’s originally from the Bay area. She’s married and has two sons, and she also has a pet dog that is a dachshund. 

She likes thrifting, reading webtoons, and watching reality TV, specifically “Housewives.” Her favorite foods are Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mexican. Her favorites are tacos and pozole. She also enjoys all types of tea. 

Vazquez’s room is the college and career center by the attendance office. You can also reach her by email to schedule an appointment with her.