The warrior of Yerba Buena

By Destiny A

Who is someone that makes you feel safe on campus? Do you ever find yourself questioning your safety at school? For me, Marco Osuna, Yerba Buena's associate principal, comes to mind when I think about my safety here at school.

Although being an associate principal can be really difficult, Osuna manages to get through it with good vibes throughout the day. Osuna works with many scenarios here at YB and often has a lot on his plate. He is in charge of student services, which involves mental health and wellness, attendance, discipline, facilities, Covid; and he oversees all custodian staff and events on weekends. One of the hardest challenges he faces as AP is when fights arise and he has to be quick to respond to them.

Osuna: “The worst part is just all the busy work I have to focus on in my job. I always have to focus on the negative aspects that are going on in school and while trying to implement the positive vibe.”

Even though Osuna is our AP now, he wasn't always an associate principal here at YB. Osuna’s role here at YB started thirteen years ago as a teacher for the Engineering class. He loved teaching his class because he wanted to give back to his students and the community. Being an Associate Principal wasn't in his timeline till the last five years of his career, but the opportunity came up and he took it.

Osuna: “I wanted to give back, and being manager or administrator wasn't the way to give back. It was more rewarding to coach students and be in the classroom because you saw the growth and those connections were still there from my last thirteen years. The connections I’m making right now are the kids at the other side of the spectrum that need help, so usually they don't come back and thank me.”

Osuna is more than just our protector. He's a father of two beautiful children, a husband, a brother, a coworker, an engineer, and he's a reliable staff member that I can go to when I need support that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

You might look at Osuna as your discipline enforcer or as your punisher, but he only wants to look out for everyone here at Yerba Buena. His goal is to watch everyone reach their destinations and be there to guide you no matter how long it takes.

Osuna: “Favorite part is being able to see some change in kids after working with them; usually takes about a year.”

For instance, Osuna once had a student that was living a different type of lifestyle, more on the street side. It took him five years to help her but all of it paid off once they got to see her walk the stage. Osuna thrived with positive energy to help this student. He provided her with help in school, tutoring, and even services at home. He didn't once give up on her no matter how long it took.

For me, I thank Osuna for always helping me and other students around campus. It's always good to know you have a helping hand here on campus, especially on a stressful day. When I'm feeling stressed, Osuna somehow always hits me with a good afternoon. How are you? How's your day going? It helps me realize that yes, I'm a student, but I’m also a person and I’m allowed to have feelings.

Other adults may make you feel as if you have no power on campus, but he makes sure everyone knows he's there to be a friendly helping hand to whatever you desire. He doesn't think less of students—Osuna admires them. He shows his gratitude to them because us as students help define what he's there for.

Osuna: “For the students, right, it's just that I was always there for them. They can always come in and ask whatever they need of me; I'm here to serve. Without students, there's no school, there's no me, so just to hear that I'm here for them, I have a great team they can serve as any need they need.”

You may not think of Osuna the same way I do, but I know for sure that without Osuna, there would be no Yerba Buena High School. We are all one. As Osuna puts it, once a warrior, always a warrior.