This new school year brought a lot of small and big changes to Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC). Among the undoubtedly big changes is the addition of a new member to the MLEC family: the new trust counselor, Felix Muñoz, who has new ideas, a new mindset, and new ways of bonding with students—and although he’s new at the school, Mr. Muñoz feels as if he’s been at MLEC forever.
At MLEC, Mr. Muñoz is simply at home.
“I feel as if I’ve been here forever. The kids and staff have been very welcoming and because of that I came in and hit the ground running,” said Mr. Muñoz. He has only been here for a few weeks, but he’s already fond of MLEC. Likewise, MLEC’s students have also become fond of him.
“I always see him around interacting with students and making an effort to be a vital part of MLECs community, I think that’s a wonderful thing,” said MLEC senior Jennifer Herrera.
As trust counselor, Mr. Muñoz takes time to meet and greet students. He’s not a hard man to find and communicate with, and he encourages students to talk about anything they feel comfortable speaking about.
“It doesn’t matter how small or big the problem is, if it is important to you then it’s important to me. Don’t feel that your problems are minute, try to communicate and don’t hold back because that conversation may help you with decisions that are hard to handle alone,” said Mr. Muñoz.
Many high schools no longer offer a trust counselor position due to budget cuts. This vital resource is unfortunately not available for many high school students across the country, however MLEC made it work.
Students need someone to talk to when times get rough, when life becomes confusing, or when a little guidance is needed— and now, our jaguars have that.
“It’s a great thing that the school’s administration cares about their students enough to keep this position and give me the opportunity to meet and help these students the best way I can,” said Mr. Muñoz, as he is welcomed into the MLEC family.
Mr. Muñoz goes above and beyond to interact with students: he cares about them and their challenges and he is excited to interact with students one on one to help them with whatever comes their way.
Our jaguars are very lucky to have someone who cares so deeply about bettering students’ mental health.
