As the daylight settles, Cherokee Trail’s security guards gather around to touch base about their tasks for the day. They disperse with the same intention set, “every single one of our security team, any one of us would absolutely do whatever we could in any circumstance to make sure every kid is safe.” said one of CT’s newest security guards, Jade Guzman.
The 21-year-old recently joined our staff in July and found that being a part of our school’s security team is fulfilling. When she was younger, Guzman dreamed of being a teacher, “I just felt like I wanted to connect with students, specifically in areas where it is [a] vast majority of minorities, and on top of that, kids that don’t have the type of help that we are very privileged to have” said Guzman. Guzman is still able to build those valuable connections with students as a security guard as she mentions her relationships with students, “I know a lot of us have built really good relationships with a lot of students and we are trusted adults, we’re not a dean and we’re not a teacher either, but we’re also in some type of authority position, but I just want to make sure that you’re okay mentally, emotionally” said Guzman.
In high school, Guzman was an athlete and played volleyball. Ironically, she was also quite rebellious and joked “I always do say it’s very hypocritical of me to be a security guard. But it also helps me to be able to see when the kids are doing something they’re not supposed to be doing because I’m like, “Hey, I did that too.”. There are a few things that students might not know about Guzman, like how she’s been boxing for over a year and prioritizes fitness, or that she spends lots of time with her dog and friends. Some also might know that she is a victim of gun violence and how that moment influences her job as a security guard.
“I was just at a park that also gives me leverage, being aware and being alerted on how easy and how fast it can happen. And just having that background and understanding and also being on the victim side of that as well. I can navigate where my defense needs to go in certain circumstances whether it be gun violence, whether it be any type of intimate threat to the school, or a certain individual in the school in particular,” said Guzman. With the uprise in gun violence, students have grown concerned about their safety at school, but Guzman gives recognition to our security team and their swiftness.
“I think something that people don’t realize is things do happen behind the scenes, we get to the root of the issue fast and you’d be surprised how fast we get to the root of the issue. I think it’s just a good reminder for everyone to know that we do everything that we can and more to make sure that every single one of these students and staff is safe,” said Guzman.
When Guzman interacts with students, she aims to build connections with the Trail community while establishing herself as a trusted adult. Building that bond can remind students that Guzman is here in moments when students feel uneasy. “I don’t want to just get on your butt for not being in class all the time. I also want to I want you to be able to tell me if something was wrong or anything like that, whether it’d be dangerous or not. […] I feel like it’s important in my role.” said Guzman.
