LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Belinda Calderon was nominated by her colleague, Rocio Lopez. They have worked side by side for the past 11 years, and have known each other ever since Ms. Calederon transitioned from a special education teacher to a school counselor.

"I have never really seen just the counselor in her because she will always be a teacher at heart," Lopez said. "Her priority has always been meeting each student's individual needs."

Escontrias Early Childhood Center (EECC) has a unique school setting; on paper, it's one school, but it's actually made up of two school buildings that have very different needs. The EECC campus is the only open campus in the district, meaning that children can go outside or leave the classroom for lunch, P.E., computer lab, library and music class, etc.

EECC's school population is made up of pre-school, kindergarten and first grade students. When it rains on campus, the school grounds flood, and staff brace themselves for the bad weather. On these days, Ms. Calderon arms herself with her rain boots on her feet, an umbrella in one hand, and a child holding the other hand. Often, Ms. Calderon carries students to class because she doesn't want them to get wet.

"Who carries kids to class when it rains?" Lopez said. "Only a caring, unselfish individual like Belinda."

Ms. Calderon is always on the lookout for students in need of shoes and jackets, and genuinely cares for individuals and their families. Last school year, there was a very sick preschool student at school who had a heart condition. Although it was not her responsibility, Ms. Calderon helped monitor the student and made arrangements for everyone involved with the student to be CPR certified. She made sure his needs were met at all costs. This is only one of many examples showing how Ms. Calderon goes out of her way to help a family or child in need. 

"Belinda is our crying shoulder, our mediator, our own kids' therapist, our administrator when the principal is out, and only a text away when we need her in class," Lopez said. "With all of this on her plate, she still has her weekly classes with each grade level to help them with their social-emotional needs. She even runs next door to help older students with their issues because in some cases, they only respond to her. Belinda does all of this and more with a huge smile and a positive attitude. If Belinda ever leaves our school, I can sincerely say, it will never be the same."