We will be saying goodbye to our wonderful Office Assistant, Lexi Moles, in February! Lexi has been a blessing to Ciudad Nueva for three years. In a recent interview, Lexi shared what she learned from working here and how she will carry on the spirit of Ciudad Nueva.
Born in Colorado and raised in Virginia, Lexi earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work in Harrisonburg and became a Border Fellow in 2017. That’s when she began volunteering at Ciudad Nueva and fell in love with the El Paso area. She delved into the community even more by taking on the role of Middle School Coordinator for two years. Lexi reflected that she didn’t expect to work with middle school students. However, she said that she “really enjoyed it and building relationships with the kids. Through getting to know the kids, I got to know their families, too.”
When she started working in this role, Lexi wasn’t sure of herself at first. Her doubts changed when the staff supported her and gave her the freedom to take the program into new directions. “Sami would say, ‘you got this.’ He showed me that I am capable.”
She embraced her new confidence and abilities. Lexi led our middle school students through many team-building and exhilarating activities, like hiking (a favorite pastime of Lexi’s), camping, and field trips, like visiting the NMSU virtual reality lab. She also learned how to be a fun and relatable mentor (and to some, like a sister), while teaching the kids respect and boundaries. She’s made a difference in the lives of our community’s youth, but she also learned a lot from the community itself.
Lexi shared that the El Paso community surprised her in its welcoming, neighborly culture. She said that, “In El Paso, strangers welcome you into their homes. You can strike up a conversation with someone at the grocery store.” Learning Spanish fluently and continuing her journey as a student of Hispanic culture are in her plans for the future.
“Living here, I’ve had a journey of learning about racial reconciliation through community development. I’ve entered into those conversations. I’m always in a position of learning.”
She expressed gratitude that “a half-Korean, half-white girl was immediately welcomed and treated like family.” At Ciudad Nueva, Lexi found a “home away from home” while living across the country from her family. The administration office has been a place of laughter and friendship-building. Fundraisers, while challenging, were memorable events for her because she got to hang out with the whole staff.
“Every single person on staff is awesome and I love hanging out with them!”
Lexi will be stepping down in February 2021 to finish her Master’s in Social Work at New Mexico State University. From there, she will carry on the spirit and mission of Ciudad Nueva as she explores her new career options. She plans to continue being a student of community, “asking them what they need, not telling them.” In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places, spending time outdoors and resting at home.
When Lexi steps down, our newly hired Office Manager Mary Chavez, will be leading our admin team. We look forward to introducing her to you soon!
Thank you, Lexi, for all of your hard work and your heart for the community! We will miss you here at Ciudad Nueva!
Would you like to get involved in a community that loves and cares for one another? We would love to have you as part of ours. Call us today at 915-521-2951 or contact us online.
