Justin Potts
Renaissance advisor Erin Reid with the Renaissance class at a leadership conference at Los Osos High School on Oct. 27, 2024. With this new change in advisors, many current Renaissance members have mixed emotions about Reid leaving after being the advisor for 15 years. “I feel like it’s a little sad to see her go, but it would be nice for a little change,” two year member and sophomore Marvin Ramirez said.
After 15 years, English teacher and Renaissance advisor Erin Reid is passing down her advisor position to fellow English teacher and Link Crew co-advisor, Ludivina Magaña. Renaissance is a leadership class dedicated to recognizing students and staff on campus. Although she is stepping down, Reid plans to use her expertise to help Magaña transition into the role and hopes the change will be a refresher for the program.
“I plan to help Ms. Magaña along the way and kind of show her the ropes of the program so that the program stays stable and I’m hoping she’s just going to breathe some new life into it,” Reid said.
Reid first assumed the position in 2002, took a break in between after having her son, and then returned in 2012 and has been the advisor since. Within those 15 years, Reid began West Co-Chella, one of the school’s most popular annual events that features students’ talents and games.
“I’m really proud of starting West Co-Chella. It’s an event that I really believe in, celebrating music and art and film for kids that maybe don’t get celebrated in other areas on campus,” Reid said.
Reid shared that she has decided to step down from her position because of other factors in her life taking priority. Along with being a mother to two sons, she is also the president of the Teachers Association of West Covina (TAWC), an educators union.
“I’ve been doing this a long time. I’m not getting any younger. I’m getting tired. I’m also union president, so I have a lot of responsibilities outside of school, that just trying to juggle two things is challenging,” Reid said.
Although it has been difficult managing all of her tasks, her job as Renaissance advisor has been facilitated by the help of her returning students, some of them holding officer positions like junior and President Lia Huang.
After being in Renaissance for three years, Huang has grown used to the way the class runs with Reid’s counsel. Despite the significant change, Huang is certain the program’s traditions will remain the same, and will continue to showcase student and teacher efforts.
“Although it is a big change, we’re still gonna keep the spirit going. We’re still gonna keep our committees. We’re still gonna keep Renaissance as is. We’re still gonna have our Ren family,” Huang said.
With every change, it takes adjustment. Magaña is aware of the difficulties that surround taking on a new position, but she is maintaining a positive attitude and hopes that with the help of the Renaissance returners and Reid, her transition into the Renaissance advisor position will be smooth.
“I think in some aspects it might be a little hard. I feel like with any change it’s always difficult. You always try to be as optimistic as possible. I’m definitely optimistic. So I can say that having my bulldog family beside me should make for an easy transition,” Magaña said.
Magaña feels excited for the upcoming years as the Renaissance advisor and contributing to other school events. She is equipped with prior experience and knowledge from her role as Link Crew co-advisor and class of 2027 co-advisor.
“Overall I think being part of leadership already, previous, you know, with class council and link crew has kind of prepared me to not be as nervous into a full leadership position so I’m pretty excited for it,” Magaña said.
Magaña’s presence is welcomed by her new leadership family and Reid’s impact on Renaissance will always be appreciated by her students as conveyed by Huang.
“Mrs. Reid, we just want to say thank you so much for all you’ve done for us. We appreciate and we love you and we can’t wait to keep your legacy on,” Huang said.