“Jocelyn is one of the kindest humans I have ever met!”

Jocelyn Alvarez Medina, a paraeducator at Foundation for Blind Children, receives FBC’s April Star of the Month award.

Jocelyn’s daily tasks as a paraeducator on FBC’s Central campus include working with preschool students during the week. She looks forward to lunchtime most. “It’s nice to see what you’re doing in the classroom is helping them become more independent”, says Jocelyn about watching her students grow over the course of the year.

The paraeducator also works with teenage SHARP students on weekends. SHARP is a program offered at FBC for school-aged children to develop hobbies, friends, independence and more. “Jocelyn has this unique ability to work with any kid no matter their age or who they are. She naturally relates and connects with them”, says a coworker.

While working at FBC, Jocelyn has been studying to become a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) through a specialized program offered by Arizona State University. Smaller classrooms and the opportunity for specialized instruction drew her to the career most. Jocelyn graduated in May of 2022 and will go on to manage her own classroom for the 2022-2023 schoolyear at FBC’s West campus in Phoenix. “Working as a team is what I’m most excited for and seeing where the kids will start compared to where they’ll end”, says Jocelyn.

The now TVI is often described as “one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet”. It’s no surprise she was nominated by two coworkers to receive FBC’s April Star of the Month award. “Jocelyn is so genuine and helpful at all times and never fails to bring a smile to your face”, says one nominator. “I wanted to cry”, adds Jocelyn about hearing her coworkers’ kind comments and ultimately receiving the award.

FBC is proud to employ kind and dedicated educators like Jocelyn that go above and beyond to prepare blind and visually impaired students to conquer their dreams. Your support means FBC can continue to train and hire incredible teachers just like Jocelyn. Thank you.