Name: Vanessa Soria
Position: Clinical Intern
What led you to your current position? Before starting this position, I worked with youth navigating the juvenile justice system, and my experiences within this program definitely intensified my curiosity for school-based work. In my time working with the young people and their families, I kept hearing about and witnessing the challenges that many of my youth, especially youth of color, experienced in their school environments. For these reasons, I wanted to complete my clinical internship in a school-based setting. I want to work with others to build an environment that truly prioritizes student well-being, co-creates hope, and encourages the exceptional creative potential that our students have.
What inspires you to do this work? So many things! We have the privilege of being invited in by our students and their families to hear their stories, strengths, and struggles. Their stories full of strength, resilience, and hope constantly inspire me to continue to do this work. I am grateful I get to learn of and from our students and families while building these positive relationships. Additionally, I continue to be inspired by all those around me that continue to show up for our youth and bring their whole self to this transformative, but challenging work.
What is an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? A lesson that I have learned throughout the years, but was highlighted in this role, is the importance of advocacy and building community. The covid-19 pandemic gave a spotlight to the systemic barriers that harm families of color and this really highlighted the importance of advocating for and alongside these families. Additionally, the pandemic brought a lot of isolation for all of us. This highlighted the power of building positive relationships and community, as well as the importance of engaging in radical listening that builds a non judgmental and welcoming space.
Share your life motto: My life motto is "Sin Miedo" or without fear. Especially as a woman of color, I try not to let fear stop me from ensuring my voice is heard. I hope to empower the young people of color I work with to do the same.
Position: Clinical Intern
What led you to your current position? Before starting this position, I worked with youth navigating the juvenile justice system, and my experiences within this program definitely intensified my curiosity for school-based work. In my time working with the young people and their families, I kept hearing about and witnessing the challenges that many of my youth, especially youth of color, experienced in their school environments. For these reasons, I wanted to complete my clinical internship in a school-based setting. I want to work with others to build an environment that truly prioritizes student well-being, co-creates hope, and encourages the exceptional creative potential that our students have.
What inspires you to do this work? So many things! We have the privilege of being invited in by our students and their families to hear their stories, strengths, and struggles. Their stories full of strength, resilience, and hope constantly inspire me to continue to do this work. I am grateful I get to learn of and from our students and families while building these positive relationships. Additionally, I continue to be inspired by all those around me that continue to show up for our youth and bring their whole self to this transformative, but challenging work.
What is an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? A lesson that I have learned throughout the years, but was highlighted in this role, is the importance of advocacy and building community. The covid-19 pandemic gave a spotlight to the systemic barriers that harm families of color and this really highlighted the importance of advocating for and alongside these families. Additionally, the pandemic brought a lot of isolation for all of us. This highlighted the power of building positive relationships and community, as well as the importance of engaging in radical listening that builds a non judgmental and welcoming space.
Share your life motto: My life motto is "Sin Miedo" or without fear. Especially as a woman of color, I try not to let fear stop me from ensuring my voice is heard. I hope to empower the young people of color I work with to do the same.
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