Tell us all about you and your family.
Angel: I’m a single mom and have been in Auburn for 10 years. Originally, I am from Los Angeles, where I was an aerospace engineer for 12 years. I am Mexican American, and my children are Salvadorian and Mexican.
I’m the Spanish Liaison for Auburn City Schools. I help with translation and communication and help situate new immigrants.
My daughter Serena (18) just started Auburn University and is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. Her dream is to be an immigration lawyer or paralegal. My son Christian (16) is in California, living with his father, and training at F.C. Golden State Soccer Club in hopes of being a professional soccer player. My youngest, Gabriel (12), is a 7th grader and was just voted class president. He plays soccer and also loves cooking.
You are the Spanish Liaison for Auburn City Schools. What does this mean to you personally?
Angel: As a Spanish Liaison, I attend meetings to translate in person and virtually and communicate daily between our Spanish-speaking parents and English-speaking teachers and administrators at Auburn City Schools. I help with registration for families that have just arrived and help provide mattresses, clothes, food, and local information. I love this role and the opportunity to welcome people to this town and this country. They are my family.
There are few people in this community who are bilingual and have the heart and patience to understand and guide immigrants through the process of learning about and understanding a new country and culture, without speaking the language. It is essential to me to provide these families with the necessities for them and their students to be successful. My mother was an immigrant from Tijuana, Mexico, and I completely understand what our ESL students have to go through.
As a single mom with three children in three different life stages of life, what has been the best way for you to work through stressful decisions?
Angel: I was raised by a very strong and independent single mom who taught me that an education was one of the most important accomplishments in life. I graduated from high school with a 4.3 GPA and have a bachelor’s in astrophysics from UCLA.
I am a hardworking and dedicated individual, and I learned to make good decisions during stressful times from having a good, supportive family in tough times. To me, getting a good education is the foundation for a good life and gives us the ability to make good decisions.
Also, this community is so supportive and generous, and it really has become our home and heart. I protect and care for my ACS families as my community protects and cares for me.
How do you take time to fill your own cup and be the best version of yourself?
Angel: Thankfully, my work at Auburn City Schools is part-time, and it allows me to work from home and be here for my children, which is truly my favorite part. I love going to quinceaneras and family parties on Saturdays and to “campo,” the soccer field, and walking barefoot in the grass. It gives me life.
What values do you prioritize in your parenting?
Angel: I think it’s very important to have open and honest communication with your children. They cannot fear you. This is very different than how I was raised and how many of our ESL children are being raised traditionally. I try to instill in our parents that yelling and threatening is not the way. We have to control our emotions in order for our children to flourish.
You’re Mexican American. Your children are also Salvadorian. How do you celebrate the different cultures within your family?
Angel: We love “carne asadas” (Mexican BBQs) and attending family parties to dance and enjoy among our Latino families. We are also involved in starting a Spanish-speaking soccer club.
What is your greatest hope for your children’s future?
Angel: I want my children to find their purpose and live their dreams, knowing that that doesn’t necessarily mean money. It is understood that financial stability is important, but it’s not the goal; it’s the outcome.
Most importantly, I want them to be happy and to know that if people and life fail them, they’ll always have their mom and their home.
What is one thing you have learned as a single mom that you wish you had known so much earlier in the journey?
Angel: As a single mom, I wish I would’ve learned sooner that I could rely on my children a lot more than I do. I used to try to do everything for them and got angry in the process. When I realized I just needed to ask for help, they were very happy to assist. My children really are amazing.
Rapid Fire Questions:
- Early Bird or Night Owl? Neither. I’m about balance and routine.
- Autumn or Spring? Autumn
- Favorite TV Show at the Moment? I don’t watch TV.
- Favorite Vacation Spot? Destin
- One word to describe yourself? Determined
Angel Orantes loves to be with her kids when she isn’t working or volunteering. As a family, they love to watch Auburn soccer and host “carne asadas” for family and friends.
Author: Staff
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