2017 Dragon Fall

Juliet Arechiga’93
What inspired you to do this kind
of work?
Deep down I always knew education would be my
field, but it took me some time to embrace it. I thought
I should break into some career that was historically
less accessible to women. After college, I tried on a
few professional personas but found them unfulfilling.
While I was working at a public policy consulting firm
in Washington, DC, a colleague poised to retire took
me aside and confided that she regretted not pursuing
her passion and implored me to not make the
same mistake. Shortly thereafter I landed at the Lab
School of Washington, a school for students with language-based
learning disabilities. As soon as I walked
into the school, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I
had found a professional home. I started as a teacher,
but the director, the late Sally Smith, saw me as a
potential counselor. I owe much to Sally for helping
me find my path. The work I do is beyond rewarding. I
always say I have the best students because I do.
What is your position here and how
long have you worked at O’Dowd?
I’m the designated counselor for students diagnosed
with learning differences and ADHD. I’m in my third
year.
What is the best piece of advice you ever
received (generally—it doesn’t have to be
related to O’Dowd)?
I suppose a couple refrains from my father come
to mind. My dad would always tell me, “Life is just
moments.” Another of his favorites was, “Always
have adventure in your back pocket.” He said both
so many times that, being a kid, I had to roll my eyes
sometimes. But he’s lived his life fully, been kind
and generous, and savored his experiences. I take
inspiration from him. Another I use quite a bit is, “It’s
a good problem to have.” Perspective is so easy to
loose and wonderful to gain.
What is your favorite thing about
your job?
My students, of course. I find them just delightful. Every
day I get to have real conversation. Every day I am
charmed and moved by my students.
What about your field or position do
you think would surprise people the most?
I suppose one thing that might surprise people about
counseling is that we’re not in the business of dispensing
advice. We do much more listening than talking.
What is the most interesting or surprising
thing about you?
For those who know me, I’m an open book. I’m far
from shy. I suppose I can share my newest creative
pursuit with you. I’ve become pretty crazy about
needle felting. My mother gave my daughter a kit
and it snowballed from there. Just last week, I made
a four foot felted redwood tree house for my son’s
Ewoks. I’m also a life-long thrifter. I almost never buy
anything new
If you could rescue only one thing from
your burning office, what would it be?
I appreciate the question as now I have an emergency
plan. My office is packed with art - from past students,
family, friends and the odd yard sale. I’d have to grab a
painting, purchased while honeymooning in Vietnam,
of three monks. If I had enough time, I’d also grab this
vintage poster I’ve had for years that says “Human
Being: Handle With Care.”
Bonus questions:
What is your favorite kind of music?
What are your favorite bands?
My husband is really into music and has introduced
me to Arvo Part, TV on the Radio and Cate Le Bon.
Old favorites include The Pixies, Radiohead and
Arcade Fire.
This is an installment in a series of profiles called 7 Things about O’Dowd’s terrific faculty and staff that is regularly featured on our website.
Visit www.bishopodowd.org/7things to see more.
Fall/Winter Magazine 2017 // 19