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O.C. working moms, continued ...Published: May, 2010

Christina Avila
Fullerton
High School Guidance Counselor

Christina Avila works as an outreach consultant for at-risk youth as part of her career as a guidance counselor for Century High School. She is also the mother of an 11-month-old son. 
   
“I help with kids’ emotional needs and help students and families access health care and outside counseling,” says Avila. “I collaborate with students and teachers to come up with strategies to help with study skills, and use interventions such as grade cards and attendance contracts to make sure my students are making a valid effort to make improvements.”
   
Her greatest reward: every time she picks up her son.
   
“I get the biggest smiles and loudest squeals of joy from my baby,” she says. “It makes me feel that no matter how long I have been away, he is always thinking about and missing me.”
   
Her biggest challenge is the guilt she feels and the missed moments.
   
“I wanted to be the first one to see him roll over, stand up, say the new words,” says Avila. “Since I brought him into this world, it is my responsibility to care for him the majority of the time. This is why I am currently researching part-time options.
   
“I went to school to pursue my career goals, but I want to divide my time to care for my children as well,” she says.

Christina’s tip: “Make the best of the weekends!! Hire someone to clean your house. When you get home from work, leave all your stress behind.”