Enter the LaFayette Education Center and you’re bound to be greeted by the smiling face of receptionist Julie Rojas.
As the front line at Building A, she is a key cog assisting all of the departments housed there. She answers phones, greets visitors, helps set up meetings, and anything else asked of her. She loves to be a part of the team all working towards one goal: Helping students thrive.
“It’s kind of like a help desk,” said Rojas. “I try to make the best first impression for our building and for the school system.”
Rojas grew up in Hialeah, Florida, just outside of Miami. In a fun coincidence, Board of Education member Roy Rabold was an administrator at her high school. Growing up in a community with a lot of Hispanic families, she set out to learn to speak Spanish. Between her school studies and practicing by watching and listening to Spanish radio and TV, she became bilingual.
“I still listen to it now to help me keep up my skills, and I love Spanish music and Cuban food.”
It also is an invaluable tool to help our school system families. When Spanish speakers come in or call the school system offices, Rojas is able to assist them.
“I’m grateful that I’m able to use my Spanish language skills to help translate for visitors,” she said. “I just love to be here and feel like I help people. It’s a very satisfying job.”
Every day is a bit different, and Rojas looks forward to whatever challenges she can help tackle.
“I love the satisfaction that I feel when I can help people solve their problems,” she said. “I’m happy for the stakeholder and I’m proud to have helped solve the problem.”
“The Honor Role,” an official podcast for Fayette County Public Schools, features employees, rotating through key stakeholders, including teachers, staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. Join us as we dive in and learn about their journeys, their inspirations, and their whys.
Episodes are available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and promoted on the social media channels of Fayette County Public Schools.
Episodes will also be available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200811.
