By Daniel Esqueda
I am honored to stand before you as the Student Trustee for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. As we gather here to reflect on the state of our district, I want to focus on two fundamental pillars of our community: Relationships and belonging. These aren’t just buzzwords or abstract concepts; they are the foundation of what makes a school district not just function, but thrive.
For students, these relationships are key to personal growth. In every handshake, every encouraging word, every group project where you learn from one another, something profound happens: students begin to understand not just the content of their lessons, but their own value and potential.
I’ve experienced it firsthand in my own journey. I have had the privilege of forming strong relationships with my peers, teachers, and mentors — relationships that have shaped my academic and personal growth, and that ultimately helped lead me to this role today.
But it’s not just about forming relationships; it’s about creating spaces where every student feels like they belong. This is where we, as a district, have a responsibility that goes beyond test scores or graduation rates. We need to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, feels seen, heard, and valued. A sense of belonging isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must-have if we want our students to succeed.
Belonging allows students to take risks, make mistakes, and learn without fear. When students feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves, they begin to see their own worth and what they can contribute to their community. For many of us, the relationships we build in school are the first time we feel part of something larger. That sense of community is vital, and it’s something we must continue to nurture.
In my role as Student Trustee, I’ve had the chance to hear directly from students across the district. Their voices make it clear: they want to feel connected, they want to know that their experiences matter. They want their schools to be places where relationships aren’t just transactional but transformative, where they belong not because they fit a certain mold but because they are uniquely themselves.
Our district has made strides in fostering this environment. From community-building initiatives to student-centered programs, we are moving in the right direction. But we also know there’s always more work to do.
As we reflect on where we are and where we’re headed, I challenge all of us — students, educators, administrators, and community members — to commit to deepening those relationships and ensuring that every student feels they truly belong.
Because when students feel connected to their schools and their peers when they know they are supported by caring adults, they are empowered to reach their full potential. And when they feel they belong, they not only thrive academically but grow into confident, compassionate citizens.
So, as we look ahead to the future of our district, let’s keep relationships and belonging at the heart of everything we do. Let’s build a district where every student has the support they need to succeed, and where every person — student, teacher, or parent — knows that they are part of a strong, inclusive, and caring community.
