In this inspiring episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with three incredible educators who have come full circle,once students in Sunnyside District, now shaping the future of the very classrooms that inspired them.

We hear from Ximena Mata Ruiz, a teacher at Liberty Elementary School, Yaritza Grijalva, a childcare worker at Ocotillo Learning Center, and Melanye Macias, a paraprofessional at Gallego Intermediate. All proud graduates of Desert View High School, these remarkable women were part of the Education Professions Program under the guidance of Ms. Skeggs, a program that sparked their passion for working with students and opened the door to meaningful careers in education.

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on how their time in the program ignited their curiosity and gave them hands-on experiences that built both confidence and purpose. Now back in Sunnyside as professionals, they share how it feels to return to a district that once supported them as students and continues to uplift them as educators.

From heartfelt stories about their journeys to powerful insights on mentorship, growth, and giving back, this episode highlights the lasting impact of investing in students and creating pathways into careers. Their stories are a testament to the strength of Sunnyside’s community and the power of believing in the next generation.