Andrea Medrano made her debut at Amador Valley this year as the newest vice principal. Before coming to Amador, she worked at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek as a counselor.
“Up until last year I was a counselor, so this is my first year as an admin but I think I just came to a point in my job and in my career where I wanted to be able to do more for students and be able to make bigger decisions and I wasn’t able to do that as a counselor anymore so that’s why I became a VP,” said Medrano.
In making those bigger decisions, Medrano brings a different approach to how she acts as a vice principal. By using her previous experience as a counselor, she hopes to change how she enforces the policies.
“I have a different approach to being an administrator because I was a counselor. So I use a little more of what we call ‘restorative processes’ rather than just you know, punishment. And I kind of bring just a different feel and different vibe. All of us have a different specialty and mine just happens to be counseling. They needed somebody that fit that role and could help our counselors as well. So yeah, that’s why I’m here” said Medrano.
Stepping into this bigger role, Medrano was nervous she wouldn’t be able to keep up with everything. However, she says her experience at Amador has been great so far, and she has naturally stepped into the role.
“Before I started I was really nervous and scared and worried that I wasn’t going to be able to do this,” said Medrano. “But as I started getting used to everything it felt more of a natural role than being a counselor. I am glad that I kind of get to mix that background with what I do now.”
The inspiration behind Medrano’s decision to work in the education system hinges on her desire to leave a lasting impact on students.
“I just felt like I didn’t really have anyone who really believed in me. I didn’t really get any support from my family either. I’ve always kind of just had to motivate myself and believe in myself, which is how I got here and wanted to become a counselor because I wanted to be what I didn’t have,” said Medrano.
