Through College Corps, Arlene serves as a teacher’s assistant at the same Title I elementary school she attended growing up in San Diego. Arlene has gotten to know her students well while coaching them through classroom lessons and keeping them focused on learning. Through building those relationships, she has gained their respect and helped motivate them to accomplish their goals.

As a developing leader, Arlene speaks about the importance of diversifying academia and how that can positively impact students. “It takes real leadership skills to round up little ones and remind them to get on task. My students are ages 9-10 and need someone they can look up to, someone that they can relate with. Reflecting on when I was 9 or 10 years old, I didn’t know what representation looked like. I remember being at that age and wondering why my teachers didn’t look like me. I hope to be a role model for the kids I work with and encourage them to do the same one day.”

Understanding the importance her Filipina identity plays in mentoring students, Arlene is paving a new path for her community as she openly talks about the importance of having more people of color in leadership roles.

“I think it is important to continue to share and talk about our identities as this creates a common sense of belonging.”

Serving as a role model and mentor, Arlene continues to play an influential role in the lives of her students and is an inspiration to many.