Cynthia Zermeño, a bilingual liaison at South High, is dedicated to helping students and parents overcome the challenges of moving to a new country. Continue reading to learn more about her.
Where are you from?
I’m from Mexico City, and I lived there until I was 13 before moving to Sioux City. Mexico City is big, full of people and beautiful. There’s a lot of art everywhere. That’s partially how I got into art. My dad was very into classical music and all sorts of art, but it had to be extremely nice; he had very high expectations.
What inspired you to be a bilingual liaison?
I understand what it’s like to come to a new country, struggling to adjust to a new culture and language. When I moved here from Mexico, there was no support to help me learn English faster or navigate the system. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduating, and it made me feel lost. Now, I can be the support I wish I had, helping students overcome these challenges and preparing them for their futures.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
I love getting to know the students and understanding their perspectives. Their minds are so evolved, and they know so much. It’s rewarding to help them succeed and seeing how support and kindness can change a student’s behavior. When students feel heard and supported, they’re in a better headspace to deal with challenges, and it helps everyone grow.
What does a typical day for you look like?
A typical day involves talking to students, calling parents, handling attendance and helping with testing. Some students come from different countries so we conduct initial interviews to better understand their backgrounds which helps prepare them for classes and ensure teachers know their challenges so they can offer support.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m very passionate about art. I recently had my first art show, and I’m excited for an upcoming one. I love learning, and I believe education goes beyond school. I enjoy studying psychology, ethics and sociology. The human mind fascinates me, and I find it amazing to learn how people think. I also collect perfumes. Good smells make me happy!
Tell me about your club.
My club meets on Mondays and Fridays after school in the cafeteria. We do a variety of projects including drawing, painting, embroidery and even metal engraving. Right now, we’re working on large trash bins as part of a community collaboration, and the kids are really invested in it. They enjoy taking the lead, which is awesome!
