My name is Gavin Vallez, a 24-year-old fresh out of college graduate with a degree in c​ommunications. I have learned that while experience tells your employer a lot about you, it tells you even more about yourself. As a former college athlete, it was difficult to predict my long-term future and career. Fortunately, the communications field is strategically broad to allow a variety of career pathways to choose from. I understood that experience would be the key to carving my future path. The experience came in the form of a public affairs internship opportunity at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, which caught my attention for the versatility the internship offers. Additionally, there was a key element to my eagerness to apply for the position: my father.

Since I was nine years old, my father, Michael Vallez, has been an SCCOE employee. While working in a few different roles in his 16 years here, he has not only gained insight into the total scope of the SCCOE, but he has willingly shared those experiences with me at home. 

“My favorite part of working at the SCCOE always has been the people who work here. It’s the people that make this place a great place to work,” my Dad said. “I am fortunate in my role as the Emergency Preparedness, School Safety & Security Administrator to have a role that interacts with a cross-section of staff not only at Ridder Park but also at our school sites.” 

As someone whom I have always looked up to as a leader, my Dad’s work-related presence and characteristics made applying for an internship position here feel natural.

In his earlier years as an SCCOE employee, there was an event for staff to bring their child to work for a day. Although I was young, I can still recall that day as being both fun and exciting. 

“I recall that the SCCOE offered many different activities for children who attended. Activities such as a technology programming class, visiting the library resource center, shadowing the child’s parent or guardian for part of their workday, touring the building, and arts and craft activities,” my Dad recalled. “The children stayed busy, learned a lot, and had fun making new friends. The lunch period that was provided gave the children in attendance the chance to relax and share stories and learnings with one another.”

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That day I was able to see the contributions of SCCOE employees to support students, educators, and school employees. Now, as an intern, I am fortunate to have a hand in contributing to student and public school success while gaining more knowledge and experience for my own career. Truly, a perfect match.

As for myself and my own experience, I have been fortunate to be very hands-on with our editing and filming team, as well as gaining proficiency in event planning and marketing​. My favorite experience in my time as an intern was filming the ¡Viva el mariachi! Showcase which was hosted at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Aside from having the opportunity to edit and create a video of the entire event in post-production, getting to watch such talented performers contributed to making the experience extraordinary. Watch the video on YouTube: https://sccoe.to/VivaElMariachiVideo​ 

Another experience that I thoroughly enjoyed was the Heart and Soles run for students. I was able to support student participation while encouraging health and wellness in the local youth community. I was also able to channel my passion as a college athlete into supporting students on their own athletic journey. Planning the event and coordinating with various sites kept things busy, but it all paid off seeing the students participate in this annual event. Helping create social media content based on this event allowed me to reflect on the positive impact we are capable of leaving on students through the SCCOE. These experiences are only a few that not only allowed me to gain employment versatility, but also enjoy my time as an intern with a variety of entertaining and enjoyable activities that didn’t feel like what I imagined ‘work’ to be as a child.

I am an outspoken and confident person, and thanks to my few months here as an SCCOE intern, I feel those strong characteristics have only amplified. I can genuinely say I feel better prepared for my future. The Public Affairs Department of the SCCOE made me feel welcomed and that I was a contributing member to their responsibilities. Each staff member, including my father, taught me lifelong skills, molded the internship to my interests and strengths, and taught me what it means to become the most well-rounded employee and human I can be.