Andres Alcaraz

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.