Buena High School is more than classrooms and hallways; it’s the people who make it a true community. One of those people is Leisa Cardenas, a campus supervisor whose courage, dedication and heart touch every student she meets.
“The reason I’m a campus supervisor is because my mom was one, and I know how many lives she changed in this role. I just wanted to be like her,” Cardenas said.
Cardenas is always seen as a positive role model to students here at Buena, and she’s influenced many to strive their way through high school. When times feel rough or risky, Cardenas keeps a positive attitude.
“I always feel like we’re at risk here. But one time, I just had to remind myself that I was a leader [at that] moment and that I had to take care of things,” Cardenas said.
Cardenas is truly a strong woman with a friendly personality, even through tough moments she has had to face. Even when moments feel scary or undoable, she just has to tell herself that she’s a leader and is courageous.
“She’s just really nice to me. She gives many different students reasons to come to school and gives them a reason to come to school in a positive way,” Katana Gonzales stated.
Some students say that school is boring, tiring, and just an extra factor added to their life, but Cardenas is always the first person to help a student out when they are struggling. She always makes sure to uplift students and make them feel like they belong here as a Bulldog.
“I hope that I can help people realize that school isn’t that bad. Even if they hate going or being in class, it’s going to guide them and mold them into who they’re going to become. I hope that I’m the reason why,” Cardenas said.
Many students say that all they need is a bit of courage to just get through the day, and if you had to rely on one person, Cardenas always shows up when needed. It’s clear as to why she loves her job. She’s successful with what she does, and she adores helping not only students, but she helps teachers and administrators find their way at Buena.
“She just helps bring people up, and she’s not like, overbearing,” Gonzales said.
Working as a campus supervisor can be hard, many people underestimate the job. Cardenas always resolved issues by speaking with students and only following through with actions when needed. She is always around when conflict starts, and she makes sure to end it.
“Dealing with kids who don’t like to listen… It’s tough. You have to remember that you’re their leader [at that] moment. Sometimes there are reasons behind their behavior, and you just have to get through it,” Cardenas said.
As she enters her third year at Buena, she hopes to leave a positive impact on Buena that lasts longer than her time here.
“I hope they remember that I’m not a judgmental person, and that I’m here to help them and not to hurt them,” Cardenas said.
Cardenas courage, commitment and the love she shows every day make her more than a staff member. She is the true heart of Buena High School. Her strength inspires students, teachers and the entire community, proving that leadership isn’t just a title. It acknowledges the way you show up for others, no matter what life throws your way.
“It’s not just a job to me. It’s your [future]; it’s what’s going to make you who you are as adults. I hope that in some moments, I can be someone you look up to and who helps mold your future,.” Cardenas said.