STE’s Mr. Chaves: Changing Lives, One Acceptance at a Time

For the majority of students and teachers at Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School, the second quarter is much easier than the first. Everyone gets used to their new schedules, students adapt to the homework load, and there are many long weekends and holiday breaks to look forward to. However, life is busier than ever for college counselor Mr. Rolando Chaves. Amid juggling college applications, meeting individually with students, and organizing PSATs and PACTs, it’s rare to catch him enjoying a long lunch in his office.

However, one of the most striking qualities about Mr. Chaves is his genuine warmth and welcoming nature. No matter how stressful the day has been, if you have a question, he will spend his five minutes between meetings chatting with you. With so much responsibility on his shoulders, one might wonder what motivates and inspires him. I had the opportunity to learn firsthand when he kindly invited me into his office to share his story.

Beginning as a chemistry and biology teacher in an international school in America, Mr. Chaves first became interested in counseling after noticing recurring conflicts between students and their parents. He began stepping in to help families resolve misunderstandings. As more people started seeking his guidance, Mr. Chaves realized he needed additional training. Through this process, he discovered his true passion: aiding students academically. This discovery led him down the path of college counseling.

Since joining the STE community in 2023, Mr. Chaves has envisioned creating a college counseling program that supports not only seniors but all high school students. He created a system that guides juniors through the college process, beginning with crafting resumes and personal statements. The results are already visible: now seniors feel more prepared and less stressed. This year, 43 of 45 seniors have already applied, submitting more than 111 applications and receiving 104 acceptance letters that are proudly displayed on the “Wall of College Acceptances,” another element Mr. Chaves brought to STE.

While Mr. Chaves is known for his goofy personality and obsession with dumplings, part of his story stands out as especially moving. Born in Costa Rica during a time of poverty, he grew up with limited resources and always believed college was out of reach. For five years, he prayed for a miracle that would allow him to go. In 1985, his prayers were answered: Sam Walton, co-founder of Walmart, established the Walton International Scholarship Program, giving Mr. Chaves the opportunity to attend college as one of the four recipients chosen.

From listening to his story, I realized that counseling was much more than a job for Mr. Chaves – it was his way of passing on the opportunity that once changed his life to others.