Make-up, cheers, glitter and pom-pom’s is what most people remember when they hear the name Gabrielle Tinoco. Junior elementary education and special education major, Tinoco, is more than what meets the eye.
Her purpose and dedication to service is what really makes her a shining star. Though people only see her as a Cabrini College cheerleader, Tinoco, offers much of her time to other service opportunities.
As a cheerleader, Tinoco serves as a captain to make sure the cheerleaders maintain rules, show themselves as leaders on campus and dive into success inside and outside the classroom.
Tinoco has cheered for 15 years and is content with her decision to stick with it—though she wanted to join the dance team. “The schedules conflicted with one another so I had to choose,” Tinoco said.
Tinoco’s dedication to being a leader and a server is evident in the activities she participates in on campus. Tinoco is also a part of Campus Ministry, Fair Trade and is also an RA. Tinoco serves during mass and helps with the many various retreats.
“Serving is a big part of my life,” Tinoco said. She admits that coming into Cabrini Campus Ministry was not one of the first clubs she had in mind. “To be honest my first day on campus I met Father Carl,” Tinoco said. “He asked if I wanted to help.”
Because serving is something that Tinoco felt she had to offer the best, she went ahead and accepted the invitation.
Tinoco has had many opportunities offered to her. In making her decisions to take those opportunities she has one thing in mind—what can I give? Tinoco worked for Residence Life and was encouraged to apply for the position.
“I thought that I could be a decent leader in getting students involved and help the students adapt,” Tinoco said. She believes that the job has been great thus far. “The effort and care that I put into my job makes it worth it,” Tinoco said.
Passion is a trait that describes Tinoco. She speaks with excitement when she explains her dreams and goals in life.
“I want to become a special education teacher and then a principal,” Tinoco said. “I want to one day open a charter school for children with special needs and severe disabilities.”
Tinoco is no stranger to a classroom. Prior to Cabrini she has had a number of experiences that made her fall in love with the idea of becoming a teacher. She has been teaching since the age of 14.
“I gave swimming lessons, taught dance and cheer and tutored,” Tinoco said. She follows the example of her mother a special education teacher, who is a role model of hers.
“If you are not passionate about something then your work will show that you don’t care or you won’t make time,” Tinoco said. Coming to Cabrini was a sure outlet to allow her passion for teaching to come into fruition.
Before choosing Cabrini, Tinoco looked at four other schools. “Cabrini was close to home and I had encountered many teachers who received an education from here,” Tinoco said.
Tinoco can always be seen with a smile on her face because she believes that is the best way to get through things. “Through all the struggle you go through whether good or bad, you as long as you push through with a smile the outcome will be more rewarding,” Tinoco said.
Smiling is what gets Tinoco through her busy daily life. She explains that smiling through your tribulations will help you to be more successful toward your goals.
“Your smile is as big as your heart and mind combined,” Tinoco said.
