Priscilla Vazquez: 'I think it's important for students to know that they're seen'

 

For Seaside High School’s College and Career Counselor Priscilla Vazquez, the journey to guiding students began early. 

“I started my journey in education, actually, since middle school,” she recalls. “I used to volunteer at the counseling office at my middle school over the summer.” 

Inspired by a supportive  math teacher, Vazquez found a passion for helping others navigate their academic and career paths. 

“She encouraged me to seek these opportunities and be involved. She felt like it was a good place for us to be at school,” Vazquez said.

Growing up in downtown Los Angeles, Vazquez attended local schools before making the move to Northern California to attend UC Santa Cruz. Her professional career led her to work with UC Santa Cruz’s GearUp program, supporting students in Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) schools. She later transitioned into school counseling, first at Los Arboles Middle School before joining Seaside High, where she has served for the past four years. 

“This is my fifth year as a counselor within MPUSD, and my fourth year at Seaside High,” she says.

At Seaside High, Vazquez wears many hats. 

“I juggle a lot of responsibilities here,” she explains. “I focus on supporting students with dual enrollment, making sure they have their paperwork, are registered in their classes, and meet with our MPC counselor.” 

She also oversees Advanced Placement (AP) logistics and plays a critical role in supporting seniors with financial aid applications and college admissions. 

“I want to make sure students have all the information they need to be successful,” Vazquez said.

When asked about her motivation, Vazquez credits her family, particularly her brother, as well as the students and community at Seaside High. 

“I think my main inspiration always goes back to my roots. It goes back to my family and my brother,” she says. “Seeing their experience with the education system really inspired that little girl in seventh grade to go and volunteer. And I wanted to be that person for somebody else.”

Her hope for students extends beyond academic success. 

“I want them to walk out of here happy, knowing they were seen and heard,” she emphasizes. “Whether that’s a four-year university, a higher ed degree, community college, or even a vocational program, my goal is to help them get there. My job is not to say, ‘You should do this,’ but to ask, ‘What do you want to do and how can I help you get there?’”

Outside of work, Vazquez is a devoted mother to two young children, ages 10 and 5. Much of her free time is spent at baseball fields cheering on her older son, a passionate player, while also exploring interests with her younger child. 

“I’m always at a baseball field or an indoor facility for my older son,” she says. “We are big Dodger fans, and that’s really my outside time with them.” 

She also values quiet moments after work to reflect. 

“Sometimes I like to stay here in my office a few minutes after work to just decompress, refresh for the next day, and come back ready to work,” Vazquez says.

With her unwavering dedication, Vazquez continues to be a source of guidance and inspiration at Seaside High, ensuring that every student feels supported, seen, and empowered to chase their dreams.