What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
Getting rejected by a girl at age 16.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
My most memorable moment out of high school was last year when I went to Puerto Rico for a month to check on my dying great grandfather. It was memorable because I got to see family members that I haven't seen since I was 8.. it was fun but kind of sad at the same time.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
I used to live in New York, Albany and it would snow a lot so I would go out and have snowball fights with my brothers.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
Poverty. Growing up with a single mom at the time we barely had any money to make it through.

What are you proudest of? Why?
I'm most proud of maturing over the years, I used to be a troublemaker.

How has HS changed you?
I started surrounding myself with different people and I got tired of getting in trouble for stupid things.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
No one really, I don't learn from anyone. I highly respect some people but I don't look up to anyone.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
Nothing, I don't really regret anything.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
Me, I need to start taking things more seriously. Like.. I don't really have any plans for the future or care for it.

What's your biggest fear?
Heights. It depends how high I am though, I could ride a roller coaster but I'm terrified of planes.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

I'm grateful for my mother. If it wasn't for her working her butt off 24/7 for me and my brothers it would have been harder for us.

What are you doing after graduation?
I'm planning on going to Hancock to study mechanics. I'm gonna need a job to pay off education though, so get a job first and then go to Hancock.

How would you like to be remembered?
I guess I want everyone to remember me as a good person who was genuine all the time.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?

Freshmen year I got floured on my birthday and walked into class covered head to toe and had to shake it all off before I could walk into class

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?

Last years powderpuff game when we beat the seniors

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

When I moved from New Mexico to California by car Because it was just me and my family in a car laughing and having fun

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

Making new friends after starting a new school

What are you proudest of? Why?

Getting accepted to Grand Canyon university because I'm the first in my family to go

How has HS changed you?

High school has definitely made me mature and organized

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?

My dad he taught me that no matter what you are going through family is more important and will always be there

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?

I would definitely change how involved I was with school joined more clubs and sports

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

That high school was nothing like the movies

What's your biggest fear? 

Not being able to handle college

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

The friends I've made

What are you doing after graduation?

I'm spending the summer with family camping etc and going to warped tour then I'm going to Grand Canyon and majoring in secondary education with an emphasis in history

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered by always having a good sense of humor and making people laugh

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?

When my friend pulled down my pants in front of the whole class.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?

Well, one of the most memorable moments was when I made the All Star Baseball team, and the coach recognized my job and hard work, even though I didn't speak English.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

Getting accepted to play with a professional baseball team in Mexico, but at the end nothing happened because I moved here due to some problems.. but it is still one of my happiest memories. 

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

Seeing all the things that lead my parents to get divorced. That was something that really affected me, even though I was like 6 years old. I had to get help from a doctor because I almost killed myself but now I am more mature and it doesn't affect me anymore, but that is something that is always going to stay in my mind. I will always keep going forward, and I will always try to live happily because we only have one life, and we have to live it like it was our last day.

What are you proudest of? Why?

I am proud of my older brother. Thanks to him I am where I am right now, he is the one that always pushed me to do what I want to do in life. He was also there whenever I needed someone. 

How has HS changed you?

I have learned to be more independent and to do things by myself. It has changed me into a better person, one who respects and interacts with people of other races.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?

My aunt and my uncle because they came here a long time ago without knowing any English and they didn't have good jobs, and now she is a teacher and my uncle a carpenter. They taught me that we can do whatever we want in life, and achieve our goals if we put enough effort to achieve it. 

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?

Honestly, I am happy with my life because I believe that in life we are going to face obstacles and whatever you do with those obstacles determine the person you will become. That is what makes you stronger. And also, you will learn a lot of things from obstacles.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
That some people have been my "friends" but actually at the end of the day all they did was make fun of me and judge me.

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is that my little brother, who is in Mexico, will follow bad steps because of all the cartels there. Sometimes they recruit kids with threat against their families. 

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

The opportunity of coming here to have a better future.

What are you doing after graduation?
I am planning to go to college for 2 years and the join the military but I am not sure yet... maybe I will join the Army right after high school.

How would you like to be remembered?
Simply as a nice/good person.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?

Fue cuando iba a mi salón, iba tarde y por equivocación entre a otro salón. Fue vergonzoso porque todos se me quedaron viendo.
(It was when I was late for class and on accident I went into a different classroom. It was embarrassing because everyone just stared at me.)

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
Fue el primer día que llegue a los Estados Unidos (nací aquí y ya había vivido aquí antes) pero me fui a México de pequeño y ya no recordaba nada de este país, por eso regresar a este país es algo que siempre recordare.
(It was the first day that I arrived in the US, I was born here and had already lived here before, but I went back to Mexico when I was small and no longer remembered anything about this country. So my return will always be something I remember.)

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

It's when I got to take care of grandma and that was when I moved to Mexico.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My biggest hardship in life has been not being able to speak English fluently.

What are you proudest of? Why?
Me siento orgulloso de ser mexicano porque como mexicanos venimos a este país con ganas de mejorar nuestras condiciones de vida y de aportar algo positivo a este país.
(I am proud of being Mexican, because we Mexicans come to this country with the idea of working hard to better our life conditions and to add something positive to this country.)

How has HS changed you?
Desde que llegue a la high school e mejorado en mi ingles y me a dado mas confianza en mí mismo.
(Ever since I started high school I have mastered English a little better, and I have more confidence with myself.)

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?

I will say that both of my parents. Me enseñaron a no darme por vencido. 

(They taught me to never give up.)

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
Nope I wouldn't change anything, I don't know.. me siento bien con las experiencias que e vivido.
(I feel good about the experiences I have lived.)

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
It has been the racism I see in thin country. A lot of ignorant people talk crap to me and my friends, calling us beaners, wet back, and stuff like that eso siempre me a creado problemas (..that has always caused me problems.)

What's your biggest fear?
Es el miedo a perder a mi familia.
(The fear of losing my family.)

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

Being in this country.

What are you doing after graduation?

Going to Hancock college, I want to major in administration or justice and then become a police officer.

How would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone friendly and someone who liked to help others.

What is the most embarrassing moment you've had in high school?

That one time that a bird shit on my head freshman year. 

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
Every time I go to Mexico for vacation with my family.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

When I was like 5, me and my brothers would film home made videos, like comedy and horror. We were just playing around but we were so happy. I miss that.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

The conflict between my parents, and knowing that they aren't happy.

What are you proudest of? Why?

I am proudest of my ability to love myself because before I didn't have that. It would affect me in every other aspect. The ability to love myself and accept myself.

How has HS changed you?

It made me more independent. You're kind of on your own. You have good company, like, you have good friends, but you gotta do your own independent shit.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My mom. She taught me that sometimes you don't get everything on life. Sacrifices are necessary. But the struggle can be beautiful.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?

Nothing. I think all the shit I messed up helped me learn. I wouldn't be who I am if I hadn't gone through everything that I did. I don't think I want to be different.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

I guess the first time I found out that this world could be cruel. I was small though, I found that out early.

What's your biggest fear? 

I mean, I hate clowns, I really do. But my biggest fear is living my life asleep, half asleep. Being numb to everything.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

My family and.. my family, they've helped me through a lot of stuff. Even though we fight and I can't stand themsometimes, I understand where they come from.

What are you doing after graduation?

Go to college, try a bunch of different things.

How would you like to be remembered?

I wouldn't. I just want to be remembered by my friends as somebody who can be strong for them, who is there to help.. somebody to look for when you need help.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?

Freshman year was an awkward year.. I'd say my hair in Sophmore year. I hated it. It was disgusting I dont know where that came from. 

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
College Raza Day last year. It inspired me and really hyped me up. I had a lot of fun there. That evening I also opened up my acceptance letter to YCS. That was one of my happiest days in HS.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

I'd say first grade when I opened up my Christmas gift. It was my That's So Raven DVD I had asked for. I watched it with my family that night and I was jumping and screaming. It was one of the only presents I had ever gotten that I was that excited for. 

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

Bullying in elementary and junior high school. Feeling excluded and feeling like I don't belong anywhere. Feeling like I don't belong with kids my age. 

What are you proudest of? Why?

Latinos Unidos because I dedicate so much time to it and I have so much passion for it. I wanted to start a club like that freshman year and this came about that same year so I joined, I always wanted to be a leader within it though. The conference... Everything we do. All the time and effort, I regret nothing  from my participation in it. 

How has HS changed you?

It made me into the confident and outgoing person that I am. I was always shy and awkward, and ever since I got into HS I let loose and decided to show people who I really am and who I want to be. I finally felt at peace with myself. I became this independent, loud person. Someone who actually likes themselves. I began to ignore outside voices. 

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?

Lady Gaga. I know it sounds cliche but she taught me how to love myself. I've never met her, yet through her music, style, fashion, and story she taught me it's okay to be different. Basically since I got bullied and maltreated in Jr HS, coming from a person who has so much success, she taught me to love everyone and to fight for equality. And be who you are. And I love her music and who she is. 

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?

I'm not gunna lie I don't think I would change anything. Only because I really do believe everything happens for a reason. All mistakes and achievement brought me to where I am. Mistakes are made for a reason so we can learn and grow, we never really learn and grow without everything. I wouldn't change anything. We learn and grow like everyone else. 

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

February 2013. 

What's your biggest fear? 

Death. I'm terrified of it. 

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

I'm a religious person, a very modern religious person, so the blessing I have in my life. I'm grateful for what God game me. I'm grateful for the strength and motivation I have, from peers and family. I'm grateful I'm still here today, that I was strong enough to be here. I'm a strong enough human that I can overcome anything, and especially that I can deal with things with maturity. 

What are you doing after graduation?

Start changing the world. See you in LA. 

How would you like to be remembered

As someone who should be praised as an icon yet never wanted to be. Someone who people should have a throne set up for yet has humility. As someone who said and did things that changed our worlds and society for the better yet stays humble. Known for great things but never lost his reason. That comes from a humble culture and home; who is still like everyone else but fought for people and stuff. 

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?

Maybe on my freshman year doing a presentation because I forgot all my posters and materials and I had to improvise and it went so bad. 

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?

I think it was when I graduated from elementary school and my parents took me to Disneyland. I was so excited it was my first time there.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

I think one of my happiest memories is when I was 4 and I had surgery, I had my appendix removed. The day I got out of the hospital it was my birthday and when I got to my grandmas house they through me a big party. 

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

When I moved to the US, to deal with the cultural shock, to adapt make new friends, learn a new language, etc.

What are you proudest of? Why?

I think I very proud of everything I have achieved here. I came here.. achieved great things, both academically and personally. I've opened my mind to new possibilities and everything I've accomplished like being able to go straight to college. I've definitely matured. 

How has HS changed you?

I feel like I've changed a lot since my first day of freshman year because I pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone, to experience things that I was afraid of. Try to pursue my dreams and things that I like instead of what people think. I've become more independent. 

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?

Several people, like my parents, my family. They encouraged me to give 100% of myself in everything I do. Especially after all the obstacles and hardships that I've had since I've been here. They told me I am as capable as everyone else and that I'm not the only one going through these problems.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?

Yeah.. I feel like I would give my dad the opportunity to get closer to me. I feel like we've never had time to ... We've never spent time together cause he had to leave home. I haven't been fair to him cause I blamed him for not being with me when I was a child. Our relationship is distant. 

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

So far is not being able to go straight into college. I worked really hard for it. But it's okay cause I understand why things happen, I'm trying to carry on with it, to no waste any of the opportunities I have here. 

What's your biggest fear? 

I think like, its when I grow up not being able to accomplish what I've always wanted to be. Not being someone that my family and kids can look up to. Not doing something special for the people around me.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

I am really grateful for all the sacrifices my parents made, not only for me but for my sisters. Like to get a better education, even when at first I didn't appreciate it. Now I feel like I understand why they did it. 

What are you doing after graduation?

I'm gunna pursue my dream of going to college, trying to be more independent, get into work. 

How would you like to be remembered?

Not only as a very professional person, outstanding in my field, but far from that I would like to be like a person that others can look up to, like for my children, my community. To use my experiences to show the people that we can accomplish our dreams, regardless of hardships.  

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
Tripping over the tennis courts when I was playing soccer at school.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?

Being captain for soccer my senior year for varsity. Memorable because I'm the guy they looked up to and listened to.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
Well, I've been playing soccer since I was four years old. And I remember this one time when I was 7 years old I scored  the winning goal for my soccer team and we got the title of champions.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
When I sprained my ankle and I had to get back into soccer because I didn't want to miss State Cup. State Cup is the biggest tournament, teams from around the world come.

What are you proudest of? Why?
I'm proud of my soccer career and how it is taking me so far. It has helped me achieve so much in high school. I am also proud of my traveling team, I've acquired so many metals and achievements. I also got best defense for three years in my high school career and one for best middle. Over the years I have gained so much experience and built my talent to a better level.

How has HS changed you?
Well it helped me mature in my school work and soccer abilities so it changed me for the better.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
Well my mom because she taught me that hard work pays off and good things happen to good people.  She taught me wrongs from right  and how to live life overall. As well as how to be independent.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
I wouldn't take that chance cause I love life and what I have done. I learn from my mistake so yeah I won't change anything.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappointment was not graduating on stage from my Junior high. My mom was disappointment so that killed me and I was disappointment in myself for letting my mom down.

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is losing the person who has been with me through thick and thin, my mom.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
Well there's a lot but one thing is my soccer. It has honestly kept me away from drugs and alcohol, I've been clean since 1997. Haha

What are you doing after graduation?
Well I'm going to play college soccer,  I already made the team for Hancock. And I plan on coaching my own traveling team. I also hope to work and have a good family.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a soccer star. That's it, soccer star. Not smart or buff or dumb but soccer star.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?

I've had a lot... When I fell during PE. Or when I fell on the bleachers. I'm just a klutz and I fall everywhere. Most embarrassing MOMENTS.. when I fall.. or trip. 

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?

Powderpuff is really memorable. The moment we won, all the cliques and everything disappeared. At that moment.. we were all one, one class. 

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

Playing hide and go seek at night all over the neighborhood. When all my cousins from Anaheim and Oregon would come, we would play on the roof and climb in trees and try to scare each other. Cops and robbers, doing dong ditch all pver the street. Riding bikes. 

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

Dealing with myself, being such a huge paradox. One moment I'm saying that I'm this person, and then the next I'm this person. Not being able to find myself. Like one day saying I want to do good in school, the next moment not doing my homework. 

What are you proudest of? Why?

Not breaking down over little shit that every senior seems to be stressing about. Taking it day to day, not stressing myself out and crying over little shit. I'm proud because I see how depressed people get when their stressed out over little shit. Whether you stress or not it's going to happen. 

How has HS changed you?

I've grown and I've opened my eyes to different personalities, different people, and the way people react differently to similar situations. 

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?

My mom. She's the strongest person ever, I've never seen her break down. Even through the toughest times. Even when my dad is stressing about summer, she says money comes and goes, she knows God has us. And she's funny. 

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?

Nothing. Cause overall I like the person that I'm becoming. If I hadn't gone through everything I did I wouldn't be who I am. I used to be stupid, but I'm not stupid now cause I learned. I used to be so naive, and it's weird to look back upon it now. Your life isn't meant to be perfect, it's meant to be a roller coaster. Enjoy it. 

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

I don't think I could say I'm disappointed with anyone specifically, but in the world completely. You can't say one person disappointed you. It takes a lot of other things in order for one person to disappoint you. Vegetarians disappoint me, too. 

What's your biggest fear? 

Jumping spiders, heights(yet I still wanna go bungee jumping or sky diving) and I'm especially afraid of going out into the world and not knowing what to do. Listening to older peoples' conversations and wondering if I can handle it. 

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

My family for sure. They taught me everything that I need to know, they are never gunna stop teaching me. They are forever my mentors. 

What are you doing after graduation?

Enjoying summer, whether I have a job or not I'm gunna enjoy the summer. And then once summer is over go to college and be an RN. And hopefully have something to do with business too. 

How would you like to be remembered?

Do I wanna be remembered? To remember me for making them laugh or something like that, hopefully nothing negative. But I don't know if I would want to be remembered. 

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?

The time that I wore a speedo to PE and nobody else did.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?

Winning CIF. I will never forget that day. 

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

My entire childhood is pretty happy. But food... I was a fat kid, so a memory I especially remember is my mom's cooking. 

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

It would have to be overcoming social anxiety. I have a hard time talking to people, especially new people. It has been since I was little, I've always had a hard time communicating things to other people, and going out and doing things. That's why when I do do it I feel like I accomplished so much.

What are you proudest of? Why?

My personal determination. After seeing how much work I put into everything I have overcome things that people thought I couldn't do. 

How has HS changed you?

Made me for social, made a lot of new friends. Those friends made me a lot more open, water polo helped a lot. Friends helped with the social anxiety. 

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?

That would have to be my mom. She taught me to value education. 

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?

Nothing. I've learned from all my mistakes, and I haven't made any mistake that were irreversible and that I regret for the rest of my life. I live with no regrets. 

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

It takes a lot to disappoint me, I don't really have high expectations. 

What's your biggest fear?

My biggest fear.. is rejection.  My worst nightmare would be to come to school and everyone hate me, like not talk to me at all, that would be the worst thing ever. 

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

Everything. I can't just point out one thing. But everything that has gotten me to this point I am grateful for. 

What are you doing after graduation?

I am going to college, I haven't made a choice yet, it's between UCI and Cal Poly. 

How would you like to be remembered?

For the work I've done, my contributions to humanity. 

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
One time I performed during Big Show with my zipper down on a costume. 

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
Keeping the promise that I made to my brother that I was gonna dance folklorico.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
My happiest childhood memory was getting to go to Mexico and visiting my grandparents and going to Disneyland in the same year.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
Getting over the fact that I never got to say goodbye to my brother before he passed away.

What are you proudest of? Why?
Getting out of my little bubble.  Before I got in ballet I was always quiet and never really joked around as much but joining ballet I got out of my comfort zone and it made it way easier to talk to people, especially to girls.

How has HS changed you?
It made me realize that time goes by fast and that you have to appreciate the time that you have with people because it won't last forever. It made me appreciate the people in my life more than I used to.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My dad. Because he taught me that no matter how hard life gets you can never quit.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
I would've started performing with the ballet group since my freshman year just so the moment would've lasted longer.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
Getting hurt and missing out on dancing the Mariachi Festival my sophomore year just because that was the biggest performance the group has done recently and I missed it.

What's your biggest fear?
 My biggest fear is being a fuck up in life.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
That I have people that care about me, including friends and family.

What are you doing after graduation?
I'm probably going to start working and hope that I take college seriously and am able to survive my first year.

How would you like to be remembered?
As that guy that made everyone's day a little bit better, especially when they were down.

Last comment:

I feel important getting interviewed.  I feel like I'm famous!

What is the most embarrassing moment you've had in high school?
That one time in freshman year when my ex-boyfriends sister called me out in class.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?

Going to Yesenia's house and chilling with all the homies, having a water balloon fight, eating ice cream and pizza, and watching movies on a hot summer day.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

Everyday I would play outside with all my neighbors, kickball, basketball all day every day with my neighbors. We used to have dance competitions too, I would always win!

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

Struggling with my insecurities.

What are you proudest of? Why?

Continuing my education in retrospect of my parents. I'm proud of my parents, and I'm continuing my education for them, even though they didn't get past an elementary education.

How has HS changed you?

It has made me a more open person, more confident. It forced me to come out of my shell, to interact with others. It has forced me to see the reality of the world, and it has made me grow up. It has given me a tiny glance of what is yet to come in the future.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?

Lupe. She has made me more humble, has shown me how to live in a world with kindness, and to look at things in the beautiful way, and not the dark. She showed me what true friendship was, and has overall made me realize who I really am.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?

Probably wouldn't have fucked up as much in freshman year. That's all I would change.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

Getting a rejection from Northridge, it was the school I was hoping to attend in the fall.

What's your biggest fear?

Not getting married to a ginger.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

Family and friends.

What are you doing after graduation?

I'm planning on going to CSULA or San Francisco State in hopes of getting a Bachelor or Master Degree and become a Kindergarten teacher.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as someone who always made people smile with her quirkiness and made people's day better, even if just a little.