Being a Caregiver and a fully committed member of the DSST network truly takes a village to do well.  Rosita Mallo is a testament to these incredible efforts and dedication as she ensures students have opportunities for remarkable internships across the nation, all while maintaining wellness as she cares for her family.  

Rosita has two children, Emelia (5 years old) and Justus (2 ½ years old).  Being a Caregiver in a virtual learning environment is no easy feat.    Rosita describes a typical day as an “absolute circus, getting up at 6:00am together with her husband to get them ready for drop-offs and for a great day”.  Illustrating how closely knit the DSST Network is, Rosita leans on DSST GVR HS Physics Teacher and Montview alum  Leslie Velasco, to support with watching her kids from time to time in the evening as she picks up her husband from work.  

Emelia and Justus embarking on another great day!

Preparing a collegiate future for DSST students requires a community dedicated to their learning experiences and Rosita Mallo works hard to support this as the Manager of College Success and Internships at DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School.   She has spent  15 years in the classroom and welcomes the change of guiding High School Juniors towards opportunities to experience the working world and  their search for a career of their calling.  

When asked what she values most about her role at DSST, Rosita beamed describing the significance of maintaining authentic relationships with students.  It is Rosita’s second year in the role and she seizes every moment to ensure students know they can connect with her not just for an internship, but for a lifetime.  She described how even after graduation, students often reach out and seek mentorship or call to let her know how their life is going. 

Along with building meaningful relationships with students, Rosita works as a true community liaison.  Adapting to  virtual learning, Rosita has been able to create internship partnerships with organizations on a national scale.  She anticipates the virtual method of connecting students with internships may be the future of innovation in getting students  to build life experiences near and far.  

Here’s a just a few of the organizations GVR High School Students are going to be interning with during the 20-21 school year:

Caregiver Conversations with Rosita Mallo:

What is meaningful for you about being a DSST Team Member and a Caregiver?

Rosita: I am enthusiastic about the opportunities for our kids and their progression.  I am 100% in for each role and I am passionate about our students while supporting my family and making sure they’re okay.  As my kids grow up, I enjoy that they get to see the work I am doing within the DSST network.  I hope they one day join our schools and get to have this experience as students.   

What has been the greatest difference with Caregiving in an E-School environment?

Rosita: It’s the separation between home life and work life.  In a regular setting, I can drive to work and do work at work and then when I’m home, I can do all things mom.  That’s one of the greatest things that has been the most significant adjustment.  

How do you find time for wellness in being a DSST Team Member and Caregiver?

Rosita: I’m really not if I’m being honest.  Bedtime is amazing because I get to sleep.  When I’m driving alone in the car to do pick-ups, those are the little snippets of time to breathe for a second.

Are there any hobbies or activities you have found to create balance during COVID?

Rosita: We try to go for a weekly hike and find new places to hike.  I love cooking for my family and it’s one of the more fulfilling parts of my day.  To create wellness for myself, I try to take a moment to grab a quick TV show, I like to knit and crochet.  Being able to do that restores balance.  I also like music.  I used to be a music teacher in New York.  I play piano and violin and am in the process of getting back into music again as a hobby. 

A home cooked meal of rice, beans, and fried chicken.

Do you know a caregiver who should be featured on the Caregiver Spotlight? Email Ericca Henderson at ericca.henderson@scienceandtech.org