Introducing Ms. Erika

Students always get ushered into the cafeteria from the lunch line by someone, but who is the lady we see at the front of the line? Well, she’s our amazing Ms. Erika!

Ms. Erika grew up in Long Beach, spending her childhood days studying and reading. She described her childhood as “humble.” Coming from immigrant parents who worked hard, she decided to take part in school activities. Since young, she always wanted to work in education because she wanted to help others. Yet, like most teens, she had a moment of uncertainty about her big goal. Well, her older sister was there to motivate her during that time. As much as she wanted, she also wanted Ms. Erika to be the next person in their family to graduate. After high school, she attended Cal State Long Beach and got a degree in medical assisting certificate and Public Health Associate in Science.                                                              

Later on in life, she started to work here at Fitz in 2019. Her main job is to help students with disabilities, being the one who they need to give them an extra hand. Ms.Wiese, a teacher she assisted, shared, “Yes, she’s really important in the school. She brings positive assurance to the class while helping out the students.” Any student knows Ms. Erika is here to bring positivity to the school. She absolutely appreciates working here at Fitz and connecting with students. As she put it, “My favorite thing about working at Fitz is being able to get to know the students and being able to be one of the adults they trust or come for advice.”

Today, students on campus admire Ms. Erika for her kindness and positive attitude she brings here at Fitz. She made an impact on the students' daily school life. Always making students' days better. One 7th grader, Kelly Chavez, mentioned, “I view her as a mom figure. Because she takes care of me and always includes me.”

So don't just think about her as a ‘lunchline lady’ or ‘bathroom door holder’ when you see her. She's a caring adult and a friend to our students.