Charlotte recognizes efforts of Costa staff in the wake of L.A. fires 

Just as students have finally settled into their first semester classes and Costa’s counselors experience a semblance of  relief, scheduling arrangements for the second semester have brought about a new wave of chaos. This year, this already hectic time has been amplified by the influx of students fleeing the Los Angeles fires. Especially during moments like these, we owe a huge thank-you to the counselors, dedicating their days to help repair our community in these devastating times. 

Around 126 new students have become members of the Mustang family over the past month, adding 126 new schedules for the counselors to configure and manage. What is arguably  more important than the technical help provided by the counseling staff is their emotional support and transitional guidance. Providing the new Mustangs with these trusted and respected adults has helped them balance their academic endeavors and personal struggles. 

The weight of responsibility has not only fallen on the shoulders of our counselors, but our teachers as well, many of whom have felt this same weight as they have taken on new classes to accommodate the increase in students. Other teachers have added additional students to their individual classes. All of the extra grading, lesson-planning, and work from these teachers has not gone unnoticed. They have played a pivotal role in uniting our community to provide relief for those in need and for that we are extremely grateful. 

The Los Angeles fires have served as a wake-up call for all of us, having affected the homes of our friends, families, and loved ones. The locality of the devastation has evoked fear amongst the Costa community, leaving many wondering what we would do if we were hit with the same disasters. Instead of lingering in uncertainty, we should search for hope, knowing that we have set an example of empathy by rallying to assist affected Angelenos.

In the wake of this darkness, I urge everyone to consider showing empathy and appreciation for our Costa staff. Even small gestures like saying “hi” during office hours, writing a handwritten note, or giving a small token of appreciation can brighten up someone’s day by helping them remember the good in humanity.