Blanca Rochin’s vision as principal of Downey Adult School is clear — improve the lives of families by preparing adult students to get better jobs. This vision has allowed Downey Adult School to emerge stronger in the midst of cuts to adult education, said Superintendent John Garcia of Downey Unified School District. Rochin provides an environment of creativity and innovation so that students of Downey Adult School have opportunities to succeed. The school is one of the few adult schools to offer federal financial aid to offset tuition costs. Rochin also arranged for a satellite office of the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board to open at the school. At the same time, she is active in the Downey chapter of Soroptimist International, a service group dedicated to assisting young women through education. In 2019, Assemblymember Cristina Garcia recognized Rochin with the “Woman of the Year” award for Assembly District 58. “Mrs. Rochin is a well-respected member of the district’s leadership team and is a true leader in our community,” Garcia said. What’s your favorite book on leadership? “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. What’s your favorite quote about leadership?  “Becoming is better than being.” — Carol Dweck, Mindset What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?   Always speak the truth and do what’s best for others. What are some of your favorite apps?   ACSA, Google Classroom. What’s your best strategy for work/life balance?   Establish boundaries. Take care of your health (exercise). Nurture your family/relationships. Make time for you. Leave work at work. Work smarter, not harder. Know when to ask for help.  What are the top five life hacks that you would recommend to a new administrator? 1. Build relationships with the staff/teachers and community. 2. Take control of your time. 3. Plan your food (have lunch every day). 4. Be fair. 5. Document every conversation/meeting.   What made you want to become a school administrator?  I’m passionate about education; therefore, I wanted to help others, outside of the classroom, with their education careers.   What are you most proud of accomplishing?    One of my biggest accomplishments is my two adult daughters — they are both excellent human beings.   Who is someone who inspires you?

Women who have made a difference in this world.  What’s your pre-game ritual to get ready for a big meeting or presentation?  Talk to myself/rehearse, prepare, prepare.  What was the best ACSA event you’ve attended?  The best ACSA events are Every Student Succeeding regional events.  How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position? The professional development workshops motivate me and inspire me to do my best; therefore, I feel I grow as an individual.  What bucket list item do you hope to accomplish this year?  I would like to learn a new language.  What has the impact of the COVID-19 worldwide health crisis taught you?   The first thing that the impact of the COVID-19 worldwide health crisis taught me was that the health and safety of our students and staff/teachers are our biggest priorities. I also learned that educators are superheroes. I was inspired to confirm that I am part of one of the strongest teams, Downey Unified School District.  Our K-12 schools, along with our adult school, had to adapt to an online model quickly; we did not have much experience or resources. We did know we had to send our students home and teach online. We did not have much time, but we managed to get our staff and faculty technology savvy and enable our students to continue to make academic progress.