Q&A with Cenaida Sosa: Bilingual Educational Assistant at Orchard Knob Middle School
(Aug. 20, 2024)--
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and why you got into this field?
Mrs. Sosa: This is my first year at Orchard Knob and I am the Bilingual Educational Assistant here. My dream job has always been to be a teacher. I’ve always loved being with the kids, especially the ones that really need that support and mentoring. This opportunity came up, and I’m just so thankful.
Q: What does your day-to-day in the school look like?
Mrs. Sosa: For example, today I was sitting with a student because he felt lost. The language barrier is a problem and can make him upset. So, that’s what I’m working on. I’m sitting with him, making him feel comfortable and safe, explaining things to him — and he does well. Sometimes I’m escorting a child to classes if they’re lost. Any child could come up to me needing information and I can share that with them. Sometimes a parent may come in and I help tell them their child is here, doing well, and safe. Any help I can give.
Q: How do you feel when you can help a student?
Mrs. Sosa: Oh, amazing. Being able to calm a child down and let a teacher know what they need or what they’re asking and then we get to fix the problem — it is amazing.
Q: What has been your favorite part about working in this school so far?
Mrs. Sosa: Everything. Period. Any “Hey, I need you to do this” or “Put this wherever” or “Translate this for this child.” I’m good with that. I love the variety that it brings.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your own time in school?
Mrs. Sosa: Absolutely. I think the most important memories are what teachers make you feel. If you could just smile in the hallway, the blink of an eye, anything, so you can show that you saw the student — that is so important because kids can feel so lost. So now I want to give back to the kids. Just let them know that they are safe.
Q: Do you remember the first time a teacher made you feel seen?
Mrs. Sosa: Oh, yeah. Mrs. Green in elementary school, maybe 3rd or 4th grade. I will never forget her. She would always make sure I was okay. She would smile. She would make that eye contact.
Q: Do you have any advice for educators working with students where a language barrier may be present?
Mrs. Sosa: Love covers all. Just love them like any other student, and the rest will follow. When we see them with eyes of love, language barriers fall. And that’s true for any student.
Q: Do you have a goal for the year?
Mrs. Sosa: Yes! I have a 2 year degree, but I saw there was an opportunity to get your degree here with Hamilton County Schools, so I might pursue that. My goal is to get certified in some teaching or something that will open the possibility of me being even closer to kids.
Q: When you’re not in the school, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Mrs. Sosa: I have children of my own, so I don’t have much free time. We have a small business, CPI Roofing and Remodeling LLC. I market and do QuickBooks. I do love to cook. My son loves sticky rice with shrimp and a sauce, or I love making flautas. I love to be outside in the garden, where I have flowers and herbs. I love exercise and watching my kids play because they’re always busy with activities. Really, just simple. As long as I’m with them, we find something to do.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
Mrs. Sosa: Coming here, there’s just unity. I really love it. I want to try to break any miscommunication or stereotyping and get kids to just see each other as kids and classmates and just enjoy the day.
For information and resources for and about bilingual students, check out these links.
ENL
FAQs of English Language Learners
ENL District Support Contacts
Interpretation and Translation Services
If you are interested in the different opportunities available for career growth in HCS, check out these different pathways!
Grow Your Own
Project Inspire
LEAD
Teach Education Program