Q&A with Marisela Guillén, MS – Director of Student Affairs at OPI
We recently sat down with Marisela Guillén, Director of Student Affairs for the Department of Educational Services for OPI Living Programs, to have her share some reflections about experiences from her first few months of supporting the department and the participants whom she guides in their individual academic programs.
Q: Tell us more about the Department of Educational Services and your goals as Director of Student Affairs?
A: The education department at OPI supports participants on their academic journeys no matter where they are on the spectrum and helps prepare them for long-term success. Sometimes participants come to OPI lacking clear educational direction or motivation to finish school, but our department works with each student to get him or her where they’d like to be.
Specific ways that our department provides support, workshop, tutoring and accommodations for those with learning disabilities, and individual counseling to track student progress. Our department also schedules monthly outings such as lectures, on-campus special events, and museum and gallery visits as ways for participants to connect with a variety of ideas and educational topics.
As Director of Student Affairs at OPI, my goal is to teach participants the skills necessary to succeed in school. I believe that with guidance and support everyone can be successful. I also want to show students that there are options to help them pursue their educational goals besides just the traditional route. Many times, it is fear that stops us from pursuing our goals, but if we have someone who believes in us and helps us surmount our hurdles, we can accomplish so much more.
Q: What have you learned from the participants?
A: They have taught me the real meaning of resiliency by working through their struggles.
Q: How have you motivated, inspired, and supported our participants?
A: I strive to connect with them, listen to their needs, and support them in their goals. Participants are like snowflakes, no two are the same, so my approach is different for everyone. I help them overcome challenges and highlight their successes.
Q: What changes have you seen in participants?
A: I’ve seen many participants who did not believe in themselves when they first arrived, but after guiding them with their individual needs, they’ve regained the confidence they once had. I’ve seen participants transform into different individuals as they complete their assignments. For example, I have seen participants who would not go to school due to social anxiety issues, and after a few months of being part of our program, they take the first step of going back. Then, going back progresses from being something extremely difficult to being something they can comfortably do. It is very rewarding to see these changes.
Q: Have you been inspired by our participants?
A: Participants inspire me every day, watching them work through their individual programs. It’s very rewarding to see how they change over time. Seeing participants reach their goals has been the greatest reward from my job. It motivates me to continue to work harder!
Q: Finally, any meaningful follow up from participants you’ve helped that you’d like to share?
A: I have a participant who sends monthly emails that describe how he is doing since completing the program. It’s really gratifying to know he’s making good use of the tools he learned while at OPI.