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

It happened two weeks into Freshman year. I was walking down the hall and people were whispering, pointing at me and laughing and giving me bad looks, saying things behind my back on social media and in real life. I didn’t really know who my real friends were at the time, and I didn’t really know who I was or what I was doing. I made a bad decision which had humiliating repercussions that lasted for about a week or so, then people were on to the next thing. It was horrific and I told myself I never wanted to experience something like that again. Nevertheless, I grew from it and moved on. You have to.

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

Ahh this is so difficult because I’ve had so many. Probably July 17th, 2012, Frank Ocean’s debut album Channel Orange came out on cd, I saw Frank Ocean perform at The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, I visited Fairfax Avenue, meeting Lucas at the Supreme skate shop and Jasper at the Odd Future pop-up for shop for the first time, and saw Drake (yes, that Drake) pull up right in front of me while I was in line for Frank’s concert, all one day. It still stands as the best of day of my life.. so far.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

When my dad would play the song “Angel Baby” by Rosie & The Originals, in his garage - that's when I knew it was my cue to go outside to dance with him. He would pick me up and hold me as we swayed to the song. I knew it meant a lot to him because he would always want one of our family members to go outside but this was a father/daughter thing. Whenever I hear that song, I will always think of my dad and dancing in the garage with him.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

What’s extremely difficult to me is wanting to say or feel something that I can’t. Whether it’s caused solely by myself or an outside force affecting my thoughts and/or actions. It’s kinda like having to say goodbye when you really don’t want to.. I’m dealing with something like that right now. I’m trying to manage everything so I can have the best feeling from what I am given. I’m licking the bowl of sweet, precious time of what I have left.

What are you proudest of? Why?

My ability and willingness to keep growing. I think the best thing a person can do for themselves is to never lose their curiosity and imagination.

How has HS changed you?

I’ve learned A LOT. What I like, what I don’t like and what I didn’t know I liked. I’ve met people that mean so much to me, I’ve been through a lot of challenges and difficulties, cried plenty of tears and made myself malleable. As I approach the end to high school each day, I learn more and more and observe more. I look at the walls and corners of the school, wondering who's came before me, looked at the same nook of lockers and had the same thoughts as me. I oftentimes peek in  Spanish class I had Freshman year with Mrs. Rauch.. I think about how much has changed in the classroom, and how things continue to change inside and outside of high school. Change is unavoidable. Accepting that change is unavoidable makes things easier to comprehend. High School was merely another street taken in order to get me to my destination. I try to be the best person that I can be as much as possible. I don't see myself ever wanting to stop growing.

 

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

Tyler, The Creator. He’s opened the doors to practically everything that I’m into today. I found so many artists, ideas, mindsets and perspectives through him and what he creates. I’ve met some great people who all lead back to knowing Tyler. His whole being and movement comes from a genuine place. It has taught me how I can truly create anything I want, there’s no boundaries or parameters to imagination because it can take me anywhere. I’ve been following the ideas behind his creativity and all the details that he’s put into his work since I was 14. I’m so proud to see how much he’s achieved and grown out. I can go on forever about the impact he has on my life from all the colors, the music production, to the film.. it’s everything to me. He’s taught me that you can do it too. A lot of people think the universe doesn’t revolve around them but it does: you create your solar system, then galaxy, and so on; you keep building to get where you want to be. People have been conditioned their whole lives to not make such a ruckus and to stay comfortable in the worn path and hope for the best. They’re afraid of something different because things can go wrong but that’s it, of course things aren’t gonna go smoothly, failing is all relative but success is the best revenge. The world is yours.

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

I honestly wouldn’t. I’ve been so grateful for everything in my life, the good, the bad, the ugly, it makes me who I am and where I stand today.

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?

Uhh I don’t really read, so I don’t have one. But the other day I was thinking how now I can read this summer and not have to think about a single assignment to do for it. It’s a very liberating thought.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

There hasn’t been a person or thing that has caused greater disappointment than what I have made myself feel. But I eventually get over it or move on.

What's your biggest fear? 

Not having enough hours in my day.

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

MUSICLOVEPEACE22

What are you doing after graduation?

I’m going to Uganda for sixteen days. It’s gonna be wild!

How would you like to be remembered?

As a person who lived their life the way they wanted to.

Here's the full answer:

I’ve learned A LOT. What I like, what I don’t like and what I didn’t know I liked. I’ve met people that mean so much to me, I’ve been through a lot of challenges and difficulties, cried plenty of tears and made myself malleable.  As I approach the end to high school each day, I learn more and more and observe more. I look at the walls an corners of the school, wondering who's came before me, looked at the same nook of lockers and had the same thoughts as me. I oftentimes peek in  Spanish class I had Freshman year with Mrs. Rauch.. I think about how much has changed in the classroom, and how things continue to change inside and outside of high school. Change is unavoidable. Accepting that change is unavoidable makes things easier to comprehend. High School was merely another street taken in order to get me to my destination. I try to be the best person that I can be as much as possible. I don't see myself ever wanting to stop growing.

What are your thoughts on HS?
It's the time you should start being responsible, it's one step away from reality.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
When I stained my clothes and had to wear them around anyway.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
One of the most memorable moments was when we all gathered at the Greek theatre to honor Breanna Rodriguez.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
One of my happiest childhood memories was when I used to get a lot of Christmas presents under the tree.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My biggest hardships have been tests, and passing them even though I thought I couldn't. Believing in myself was always hard.

What are you most proud of? Why?
I feel that I have grown to be a more mature and responsible person.

How has HS changed you?
HS has changed me in the way that it has slightly prepared me for life. It has shown me what working hard is like, only not as fun.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My advisor teacher, but most definitely my parents. And my two loving best friends.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
If I had another chance I would honestly want to do better in HS, grade wise. I would also have loved to be more involved in school.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
Trusting the wrong people, people that turned out not to be my friends.

What's your biggest fear?
Trusting fake friends.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
My own life, for my family, and for all those friends I have met.

What are you doing after graduation?
After graduation I am going to party joyfully, celebrate everything I have accomplished.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a nice, understanding person with a good personality.

What are your thoughts on HS?
 My thoughts on high school are both positive and negative. I've never really been the type of person who really enjoyed school. I only really enjoyed going for my art classes and because I got to see my friends, but it's still important to attend. I do think some things aren't completely necessary and, in a way, a waste of time, but we do learn some valuable stuff.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
My most embarrassing moment would have to be when I tripped over the chain railing at lunch trying to climb over to get across it faster.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
My most memorable moment was meeting my best friend Anna Eberhardt. She has helped me through so much and has helped me become the person I am today and I wouldn't know all the amazing people I know today if I hadn't met her first.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
One of my happiest childhood memories was when I found a stray kitten with my cousins, took it home, and owned a cat that day.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My biggest hardship in life has been my social anxiety. I struggle with some personal issues because of it.

What are you most proud of? Why?
I'm most proud of my talent in art. I've drawing since I could hold a pencil and now I'm working with makeup and developing a strong interest in cosmetology.

How has HS changed you?
High school has changed me in a social way. The people I met in high school have helped me with so much in my life and helped me to express myself a little more comfortably.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My grandma is the most influential person in my life. She is the most down to earth person I know. I told her I was gay before I even told my parents and my grandma is very religious, but she was really sweet about it. She knows it's not her place to judge others and that's what she taught me.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
 If I had a chance to change something in my life, I'd push myself to be out there at a younger age so that I'd be more comfortable and confident in myself before entering the real world.

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?
If I was a fictional character, I'd be Mitchell from Modern Family because he's gay, awkward, and basically me.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappointment in life isn't really one thing, but multiple things I could have done. Looking back I didn't do much and if I had the chance, I never took it.

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is scrutiny. Everyone's opinions I take very, very personally. I can't help it, it's just how my mind works.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
I'm most grateful for my talents, friends, and family.

What are you doing after graduation?
I really have no idea what I'm doing after graduation, but I hope life has great things in store for me.

How would you like to be remembered?
I'd like to be remembered for the person I am, but I'm most likely going to be remembered for my drawing skills, if I'm even remembered in the future.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
My most embarrassing moment in high school would probably be prom last year. I don't want to go into details!

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
My most memorable moment in high school is most definitely being in FFA and serving as president. It opened up many doors to me and helped turn me into someone I was happy to be.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
One of my happiest childhood memories would be going to the drive in with my mom and I just remember falling asleep in the car halfway through the movie and being carried to my bed.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My biggest hardship in life is definitely figuring out how to play my cards right and make the right decisions. My parents are older than average and don't hold any retirement or investments so in a couple of years my life is going to be tough. My mission as of now is to do what I must to ensure the stability and safety of my parents.

What are you most proud of? Why?
I am most proud of how I have turned out as a person.

How has HS changed you?
Freshman year I was probably the shyest kid you know. Because of high school and FFA I grew out of my shell, opened up and realized that it wasn't who I was. I was confident, a leader, friendly, and optimistic. I just needed the initial push out the door to realize this.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
I would have to say myself. I've taken hundreds of hours out of my life of self research and exploration to uncover life's secrets. By understanding knowledge is the key to success there is no other choice. I've taught myself countless talents, whether its how to breed sheep, grow my own trees, or build computers.. I am always looking to better myself.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
If I could do one thing differently I think it will have been to invest more time in hanging out with friends and going to school events. It really wasn't until senior year that I went to a party or a football game. Even though it's such a little event in the scope of things, I really feel that it is an important part/tradition of high school and any teenagers life.

What fictional character do you visualize yourself as?


What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My inability to rid myself of procrastination. It is obviously a scarred characteristic that I have yet to shake off my back and it affects my mindset, success, and level-head every single day of my life.

What's your biggest fear?
Other than spiders it would have to be the fear of not succeeding. I am always worried that life is too short and I am doing everything I can, as fast as I can, to reach the climatic point of riches and success. I want it and I know it all takes time, but a part of me just wants it all right now.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
I am most grateful for the opportunities I have as an American, especially one living in California and more specifically Santa Maria. Countless job opportunities surround the valley. We live in a beautiful area that many dream to go or live in. To know I have all this greatness to wake up to every morning is a real big eye opener and really sparks a flame in my ignition and creates a fuel driven ambition to do great things.

What are you doing after graduation?
After graduation I will be attending Allan Hancock College and transferring to Cal Poly SLO to major in Ag Communication and Education. In this time I also plan to learn and grow as much as possible in my financial knowledge. I will use this knowledge to minor in entrepreneurship and plan to grow into a big player on Wall Street. I also plan to be an agriculture teacher happily teaching. I would like to own a small vineyard and continue to breed and sell sheep.

How would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as the man who taught and shared knowledge. I want to be the man who was there for you when no one else was. I want to be the one you always see smiling. I want to be known as strong and wise. The one who is kind and sincere and only wants the best for others and the world. I want to be known as "world's best dad," "husband," and "grandfather." I want to be the world's best businessman. The man with the best intentions. Not only his own but for the world. To be the one who donates his money and time into useful and important communities and organizations. The whole point of life is to be happy and extend your life experience and knowledge onto the rest of the world. I plan to do exactly that.

What are your thoughts on HS?
High school is a crazy, fun, depressing, fast, life changing experience. You meet new people that influence your daily life. It's the place that shapes you up to the person you will become in the future.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
When I ripped my shirt and everyone at school could see my armpits. I didn't realize it until my friend pointed it out.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
Playing at the 2015 Big Show with the RHS Marimba Band. It was filled with so much energy and since I've only been in one it makes it 10x more special to me.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
The happiest childhood memory for me is when I went to Six Flags with my brothers and cousins. It was my first time there and I didn't want to go on the big rides but my cousins made me. Even though I felt like I was gunna die, at the end of the day I had a blast and had a new story to tell.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
When my dad was an alcoholic and we had to live with my aunts and uncles. Thankfully he became a religious man and changed his ways.

What are you proudest of? Why?
My proudest moment was when I got my license, because I knew that I was gunna be able to help out my mom by picking up my brothers and helping her with groceries. Especially so that she can stay home and take care of my grandma.

How has HS changed you?
HS changed my views on life and people. My freshman year I was shy and lacked confidence, but as I aged I realized that it doesn't matter who you are as long as you're happy with yourself.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My mom has been the most influential because she has always been there for me and truly does care about me. She taught me that no matter what you may be going through, God is by your side day by day.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
I wish I would have done more activities and joined more clubs in HS, because it really helps you stay out of trouble and allows you to develop social and leadership skills.

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?
I compare myself with Goku from Dragon Ball Z ..but without the muscles ha-ha because he is a caring person and would go out of his way to help others out... I feel like that is my mentality.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
When I was in 8th grade and I was on the edge of not gradating. I let my mom down big time because I showed that I didn't care about myself or my future.

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is being unable to provide for my family. I want to help my parents out because they work hard every day to provide for me and if I can't provide for them when they're older that shows that I did not work hard enough.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
To have a caring family that supports me. They are basically my spine, they keep me straight.

What are you doing after graduation?
After I graduate HS I will finish my GE and then become a sound technician.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as that kid that tried his best to be nice to everyone, even though there are many people out there who are annoying. I would also like to be remembered as a respectful gentleman.

What are your thoughts on HS?
My thoughts on high school are that it's a very good learning environment if you put your mind too it, even with all the distractions around you such as friends and relationships. It's a good place to learn the path you wanna take.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
There has been many embarrassing moments I had to face throughout high school. The one I won't forget, and that was very silly of me, was when I copied and pasted an essay for a class assignment and I got caught but now looking back its funny.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
My most memorable moment has been meeting a guy at a very unexpected moment and later on he became my boyfriend.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
One of my most happiest childhood memories was when I was 7 years old and my parents took me and two of my brothers and 3 of my cousins to Boomers. It was amazing and it was the last time I will ever spend with one of them,

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My hardship in life has been mainly school. It has been a struggle for me since I didn't try my best the past 3 years.

What are you proudest of? Why?
I  am proud of myself even though I haven't done good the past few years, but I never give up in what I want to accomplish because I know if I focus and do my best I'll achieve it faster.

How has HS changed you?
High school didnt particularly changed me it mostly gave me vision and perspective letting me see that there's a lot of opportunities in life and there's so much you can do in order to succeed in life.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
The most influential person in my life is my cousin Jessica, for me she's such a great role model. Everything she achieved in life she's worked for it on her own without any help and now she has become a great math teacher at the University of Santa Barbara. She taught me that if I really wanna be successful in life to go for it because no ones gonna come and give it to me.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
If I had a chance to change something in my life it would be to go back and do good in school in order to finish faster and not waste so much time.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappointment in life was not being able to go to Prom.

What's your biggest fear?
 My biggest fear is getting so far and at the end giving up on myself.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
My family and friends is what I am grateful for because they're supportive.

What are you doing after graduation?
After graduation I plan to go staight to college for the summer and than transfer to a university to become a nurse for cancer patients, but my goal is to get my Doctorates degree.

How would you like to be remembered?

I wouldn't like to be remembered for anything big, just on who I am.

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

When I tripped on the steps in front of the Greek theatre.

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

My most memorable moment has to be getting stuck in an elevator at an FFA conference with 23 other people for an hour and a half. 

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

Going to Mexico with my whole family when I was nine and having a huge party on Christmas and New Years.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

My biggest hardship has to be when my parents claimed bankruptcy and we lost everything.

What are you proudest of? Why?

I am most proud of passing high school and being able to go on and study at Fresno State because it has been a dream of mine to go onto a four-year university since I was a kid. 

How has HS changed you?

High school has helped me mature and prepare me for life. I've had many experiences on this campus which I will remember forever.

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

If I had to choose just one person I would not be able to do it. The most influential people in my life have been my parents. They have always supported me and helped me through thick and thin. They have motivated me and taught me to go above and beyond to reach my goals and that's why I love them. 

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

I would have worked harder in school. 

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?

I compare myself with the fictional character Speedy Gonzalez.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

My biggest disappointment was not getting into Cal Poly SLO. 

What's your biggest fear? 

My biggest fear is not being successful and not only letting myself down, but my family aswell. 

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

I feel grateful for my family because they have always supported me financially, mentally, emotionally, and in any way possible. I love them to death and wouldn't change them for the world.

What are you doing after graduation?

I will be attending Fresno State to major in Ag Business. 

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a hard worker, and as a great friend to everyone. 

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
Having a stain on my butt without knowing.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
The friendships I have created, the events and fun activities that we had together.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
A Christmas in which all my relatives came over to my house and we stayed up late playing games, talking, and opening presents.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
Growing up in a home with domestic violence.

What are you proudest of? Why?
Most people would say "I am proud of everything I've achieved," but I'm proud of the person I've become. A person who is straightforward, determined, and true.

How has HS changed you?
It has lead me to break out of my shell and gain more confidence.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
There hasn't been a specific person that has influenced me, but those around me have taught me to be more independent and confident.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
Stop questioning others and focus on myself.

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?
Alice in Wonderland due to her curiosity and sometimes her cluelessness, yet she's brave.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
Living and focusing on the past.

What's your biggest fear?
Making wrong decisions.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
My family and friends.

What are you doing after graduation?
Visiting Mexico, and then going to college.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered for my work, my kindness, and my courage for taking risks in life even if you might end up getting hurt.

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

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

Oh my gosh. Okay. Well I have had a crush on THE SAME GUY since forever. We took the same bus in jr high and one time a girl's papers were floating away because it was windy and he helped and I was in love, totally thought he the the most gentlemanly a man could get. Anyway high school happens, I have never said a word to him during the entirety of it. And I also almost asked him to Sadie's twice. Then last weekend FFA and Interact Club both work the Luau for the Rotary Club and he is there. So I give myself a pep talk and say this is my one chance, ONE CHANCE, to make goals happen. He is floating around where I am. My job is I move plates of cake from one table to the next. So I am picking up cakes to move them then he gently taps me on the shoulder and says "Elizabeth, can you put cake in here?" (It was a tray he was carrying to a table to transport cake faster) and all I said was "Yeah." This is most embarrassing and memorable moment.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
My favorite childhood memory is bouncing on the trampoline to bounce off the pool water at my friend's house as our moms talked. My house was approximately 3 houses away from my friend's house, and it was always our mission when my mom came to "pick me up" (walk me back to my house) to get them to talk, then we would have maximum amount of time bouncing on the trampoline and having fun.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
The biggest hardship is dealing with a dad who doesn't understand all my hard work and makes me feel like (bad word) sometimes. I also having feelings that he doesn't love me because he treats my mom badly too. I feel like he belittles her and me sometimes and the hardest thing is to forgive him everyday and try to get over it. Sometimes I wish my mom would get a divorce so I don't have to deal with the (bad word) he says about me when I can still hear him( and he knows I can).

What are you proudest of? Why?
Proudest moment is making it through water polo and surviving  biology. Water polo is freaking painful and takes so much endurance that when you get home after practice you want to fall over and sleep. I was able to go from never competing in a water sport prior to water polo to playing majority of the game against AG, our biggest rival. Being a player who is in the game playing constantly quarter after quarter makes you want to sink to the bottom of the pool. Every turnover you flip around and swim hard against the girl you are guarding and set up to block or play offense. During the game I had my eye on the prize and was able to block out the "sinking feeling" the whole game. We lost but I was very proud of the effort of the whole team that night. Also while water polo was going on, which included practice before and after school (5:45-6:45 am) and (5:00-7:00 pm) oh and it was so cold when I jumped in at morning and night I wanted to throw up. But anyway, during water polo I held onto my grades and I got an "A" in biology both semesters. I was very proud I conquered both something that took mental strength and physical strength and proved succeeding in both was possible

How has HS changed you?
High school has taught me things about wanting something and being able to attain it. Some of those things are unattainable, for me like relationships or being social. Other things that I have found are attainable for me are good grades, earning my spot into great colleges and being able to appreciate all my blessings. I would say before high school I would be unsure or even dreaming about some of the things I was able to do. So I have gained confidence too.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
The most influential person in my life is Maria. She has always been there for me through thick and thin. She inspires me to work hard, to never give up and to keep dreaming and I love that about her. Ever since 6th grade when she picked "the new girl" up as a friend, I have never been able to shake the bond between us. She taught me to have fun. be kind, to not judge, love unconditionally, embrace every moment, and to love myself.        

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
If I could do something differently, it would be to take more opportunities to be social and go out and have fun more often. I am very proud of where I academically, but not socially. I would love to have taken more chances and seen where I would be now.

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?
If I was a fictional character I would say I was Elizabeth Bennett. She is so smooth and witty and I wish I could be her. I feel like she is 10 times my personality and she is great. She has fun but is super smart and confident and gah, I wish I was her.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappointment is not taking chances and missing fun opportunities. I am super shy and I want to be more confident to be able to do the fun things and actually having fun.        

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is grocery shopping by myself in college and also being alone in college. I know I will have my close friends, but I want to make new friends who I can hang out and study with too, but I am afraid I won't because I have never been very confident in myself.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
I am grateful for my mom and brothers and for being able to do well in school and to have been a part of AVID and meet all my amazing friends there (including you).

What are you doing after graduation?
 I am going to Cal Poly SLO for my biology degree. Also during the summer, I will be showing cows at the Santa Barbara County Fair.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone loving, who got love but also gave it. I feel like some people don't have love when they need it most. I like to make people feel special and important because they are. And everyone should have that feeling about them self, and if they don't, I want to make sure they know it.

What are your thoughts on HS?
My thoughts on high school are good, but school isn't meant for everyone.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
The most embarrassing thing I had in high school was falling down in the hall way, everyone staring  and I got up like nothing and kept walking.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
I don't have a most memorable but simply proving people wrong at the things they said I would fail at... those are the best things that happen in life for me.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My biggest hardship was losing my father, not knowing there was no tomorrow with him.

What are you proudest of? Why?
What I am most proud of is myself.. becoming more independent as time passes, while people tried talking me down with negativity.

How has HS changed you?
High school changed me because I've made the decisions I want in life and not let anyone tell me what's best in life for me but simply thinking what I want in my life on my own.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
The most influental person in my life would be my mother. She taught me how to be independent little by little and always supported me in all my decisions.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
If I was able to do something different in school it would be to actually try harder in school because they pretty much teach you how reality really is.

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?
I would compare myself to Amber Lowry because she's had struggles in life but always kept her head held high no matter how people tried talking her down with negativity.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappointment in life was thinking I would have people by my side at all times but I realized I had no one in the end.

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is making a wrong choice right after I graduate high school.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
What I feel most grateful about is everything I've had in life. Not many people get the chance to at least have some stuff just like us.

What are you doing after graduation?
What I am going to do right after graduation is find a job and become as successful as possible.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered by the best memory I've created with that person. Like where i made them laugh the most..

What are your thoughts on HS?
I think high school is a great experience, it helps people find out more about themselves and helps people build bonds that last a lifetime.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
My most embarrassing moment in high school would probably be either crashing into a pole while on my phone or tripping up the stairs.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
My most memorable moment would have to be doing the chalk festival my junior year, it was fun getting to spend the day drawing and hanging out with my friends.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
One of my happiest childhood memories is getting to go to middle school with the people I grew up with after I had to leave for a couple years.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
The biggest hardship i have had would probably be getting my family to accept the way that i choose to look and act.

What are you proudest of? Why?
I am proud of the way I have evolved in my art skills because I have worked hard to get to the level that I am at now, I know that I can produce work that is worthy of being in galleries and art shows.

How has HS changed you?
High school has changed me a lot, i used to be the shy girl that never wanted to talk or stick out. High school made me realize I don't want to be like that, I want to be loud and crazy, I want to wear what I want even if others look at me weird. high school gave me the confidence to be the person I've always been on the inside.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
I think one of the most influential people in my life is my dad, not only because of the fact that he has supported me through my life, but because I see how hard he works for me and my siblings. He works early mornings and late nights just to make sure we have what we need, and he has taught me that education is key; i need more schooling so that i wont need to work as much as he does.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
If i had the chance i would have focuses on my grades more, i would have strived for A's instead of just passing.

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?
I compare myself with Ariel from the Little Mermaid because not only is she my favorite Disney princess, she shows how if you don't like something you can change it, even if it doesn't go as planned it can still work out in the end.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
I think my biggest disappointment has been that I didn't try hard enough on my grades so I can't get into many of the colleges that i once dreamed of as a freshman.

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is that I will end up with a job I hate, mindlessly going to work day in and day out. I feel like that's a waste of not only talent, but time.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
I feel most grateful for my amazing boyfriend and all of the friends that I have, they support me and I know they'll have my back. I'm grateful that they are as crazy and weird as I am! Also, I know that I love my boyfriend and he has helped me through so many things that I don't think I could of done on my own, he helps me be a better person and I don't know where I would be without him.

What are you doing after graduation?
After graduation I hope on either going to Hancock and start my schooling to become an EMT or enroll into the Navy.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remebered as the girl who became what she wanted to be, not what everyone else wanted her to be.

What are your thoughts on HS?
 I always thought of Righetti as a safe and entertaining place to learn. It can be sometimes stressful, but all schools are like that. It is a place where you get to know your class and be friends with them.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
My most embarrassing moment was my first day in freshman year. I was unused to the whole zero period thing. I went to zero no problem, then when I went to first, I mixed it up with my second period class. I ended up in the advanced art class with a bunch of older students. I didn't realize it until after the teacher called roll. So, all of the students stared at me as I left to go to my correct class.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
My most memorable moment was when I was taking my drivers test at the DMV. I got an extremely hipster looking guy for a test instructor. He was talking to me as we started off and asked me what my grades were like. I proudly told him that I got a 4.5 GPA and he said that high schools going above a 4.0 was stupid and degrading to our society. I really wanted to say "F*ck you", but he said that right at the beginning of the test and I didn't want to piss him off and have him fail me. So, he kept talking about conspiracy theorist stuff and I nodded along and agreed with him to placate him. He just seemed like the type of instructor that would fail you if he didn't like you. Thankfully, I passed the test and got my license.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
My happiest childhood memory was going to Crater Lake in Oregon with my family. I loved the drive up there too. We passed a big cat park in Cave Junction, OH and we stopped by it to check it out, thinking it was nothing special. Turns out that there was many different kinds of big cats including: snow leopards, leopards,  lions, tigers and even a white tiger. I went on a walking tour and the guide showed us every single cat there, which was over thirty total. When we finally made it to Crater Lake, there was a little bit of snow on the ground in the shady areas. I loved watching the lake at sunset because of all the colors it was reflecting.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My biggest hardship was dealing with my brother going off to college. It wasn't that bad, he was only in Santa Barbara but I did miss him when he was gone. I did have fun visiting him and helping him move around his stuff. Now he's back and I'm happy to be with my brother all the time again.

What are you proudest of? Why?
I am proud to be able to drive a stick shift car. I am proud of that because it is a dying art and I'll be able to drive any car I want. Also, if I ever go to Europe, where most cars are manual, I'll be able to drive myself.

How has HS changed you?
High school has enabled me to talk to people better. When I was in elementary and junior high, I barely talked to people and they had to come to me to talk. Now, I'm able to do well in a conversation.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My mom has been the most influential person in my life. She has taught me to not care when people think negatively of me and how to deal with the occasional nasty person who feels like attacking or bullying me.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
I would try to talk to people more and make more friends. I realize now that being shy is a hamper on everyday life. You have to talk to people. Also, people are what makes life fun!

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?
I would compare myself with Lena from the Delirium trilogy. We both tend to hide our true thoughts from most people to protect ourselves. And we both would do anything to be with the ones we love and will learn to love fearlessly. We both would be able to accept that life moves on and that we need to move on with it.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappointment in life is that I used to be afraid to talk to people. I used to be incredibly self conscious about what I said and inevitably I couldn't think of anything to say in a conversation. So, I used to barely talk to anyone and I usually just sat there watching other people have conversations.

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is becoming bitter and angry in my old age. I hope that I don't become closed minded and cynical when I get old, like some elderly people. I want to be able to be empathetic and compassionate toward other people. I want to keep seeing the world as beautiful, not diseased.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
I am most grateful for my family. They helped me become who I am. Each person taught me that everyone sees the world differently and helped me to see the world through someone else's eyes.

What are you doing after graduation?
I am going to go to Hancock after I graduate. Then, I'll transfer to UCSB after I finish Hancock. I want to be either a computer or software engineer. I am starting Hancock in the summer and I plan on having a crammed schedule all through Hancock.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as the person who was quiet, yet easy to talk to and understanding. That I never judged someone unfairly or just judged them on how they look.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
The most embarrassing moment in high school has to be the time I tripped on a step walking up the (girls locker room) stairs during passing period.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
The most memorable moment was the time my nephews were born.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
Best childhood memory, the time my family and I went to Cancun because it's such a beautiful place and even more when you're surrounded by your family

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
The hardest obstacle I had to face was when I got depressed freshman year. It was the hardest b/c I wasn't in control

What are you proudest of? Why?
I'm very proud of my parents because they have never given up and done everything possible to give their children the best.

How has HS changed you?
High school has made me grown up so much as a person. Now I know that I'm not in control & that I had never been in control of anything. I've also learned to live day by day.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My parents have been the most influential people in my life. They have taught me right from wrong. They've also taught me to respect every person & to remain humble no matter what.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
I wouldn't change anything in my life because everything happens for a reason. I wish that I had never gotten depressed but at the same time I don't because I grew as a person from that experience.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappointment in life was when I realized I was not in control

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is to mess up and not have the future that I want or envision for myself.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
I am grateful for my family. I'm blessed with such a supporting & loving family!

What are you doing after graduation?
After graduation, I'm going to attend Allan Hancock college to complete my GE. Then I plan on transferring to Cal Poly to get a Bachelor in business.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a very determined, nice, humble, and happy person.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
Freshman year, I tripped going up the stairs and fell. I was carrying my books so I couldn't catch myself. Everyone around me started laughing.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
During my freshman year, my mother graduated from college with her Associate's Degree in Child Psychology. I was so proud to see her walking across the stage.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
Going to Disneyland and Seaworld with my family when I was ten, was one of my favorite memories. It was so much fun to see all the different sea creatures and go on many rides. I especially remember the shark exhibit.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My biggest hardship was losing my grandmother this year. My grandmother had lived with us for about seven years. I was extremely close to her. She always gave me advice and made me laugh. My house feels empty without her, but I know she is watching over me.

What are you most proud of? Why?
I am most proud of getting into six of the eight colleges that I applied to. I always dreamed about going to college, and getting accepted in college made me feel like my hard work paid off. I am especially happy about getting into Cal Poly because it was one of my top choices.

How has HS changed you?
High school has made me grow as a person. I have become more open minded. High school has also made me realize how fast time passes. I have also become more determined at achieving my goals.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My mother has been the most influential person in my life. She has taught me the importance of pursuing a higher education. In America we mostly take our public education for granted, but there are may people in this world that would give their life to have the right to a public education. The sacrifices she made in order to pursue a college education have shown me the importance of education.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
I would redo my eighth grade year. I felt like I worried to much about what my next step in life would be, instead of enjoying my eighth grade year. I also felt like a puppet on strings, that was being manipulated by my desire to be accepted by my teacher.

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?
I compare myself to Hermione from Harry Potter, because we are both willing to fight and stand up for what we believe. We also enjoy learning new things.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappointment has been not continuing my passion for soccer.

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is losing any of my family members.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
I am most grateful for my supportive family. They are my motivation.

What are you doing after graduation?
I am going to to be working as a recreational counselor and spending time with my family. I will also be preparing myself to start my first quarter at Cal Poly.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remember as someone that liked to make people laugh and who cared about the well-being of others. I actually really want to contribute to the knowledge of modern science.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
My most embarrassing moment in high school was blushing when a boy talked to me. I guess I'm insecure when boys talk to me, but no matter my confidence level I will blush until I get comfortable. But once I blush and I feel it I bush even more.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
My most memorable moment has to be traveling to NY by myself, I felt independent and it amazing to see how a girl from a small town can make it big.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
Happiest childhood memory has to be going to the county fair with my parents and looking at the farm animals, it's a tradition we still do.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My biggest hardship was loosing my grandma and finding out through FB. My parents wanted me to go to work peacefully but instead I was heartbroken on loosing the kindest person I knew.

What are you proudest of? Why?
 I'm proudest of staying true to myself, and always getting my feet wet into new things, I've been scared but never let that stop me.

How has HS changed you?
High school hasn't changed me I think life changes you and the experiences you go through.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My dad has been the most influential person in my life he has taught me to believe in myself and work hard to get to where I want to be.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
 If I could do something different in my life I would do a sport I never did that growing up and I believe doing a sport teaches you a lot on how to work together.

What fictional character do you compare yourself with?
I compare myself to the little girl that gets all of Andy's toy she looks a lot like me when I was little, I try to always  be happy and carefree.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappoint in high school has to slacking of in my math class this year, I didn't need this stress on senior year.

What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is turning off the light and I have to leap on to my bed cause I think something is going to get my feet.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
I'm most grateful about having my family supporting me and helping me pursue education. In a Hispanic family sometimes this is not common, they are my rock.

What are you doing after graduation?
After graduation I will be working, taking a hiking trip, and moving to SB to go to school, UCSB.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would love to be remembered as someone that was not afraid of a challenge and was always laughing at my spontaneous doings.

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

I don't have one.. Wait.. PE. When we had to go into the pool and my towel fell, but someone pulled it down on purpose. 

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

A rally for Bree. 

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

Having my first pet, a dog. It was happiest because it was my first pet. 

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

Coming to the US and not speaking English. The transition of coming to another country. No having a dad.

What are you proudest of? Why?

My mom. She had worked really hard in order for me to be here, to come to school. She's always been supporting me, cause she's a single mom and has never left us. 

How has HS changed you?

Well I've learned a lot of stuff, a lot of new things. I got more mature, more responsible, I've made new friends that make me happy.

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

My mom. They taught me to never give up. That of you wanna get somehing you gotta work hard to get it. A lot of stuff. If I wanna shape my dreams to stop dreaming and act upon it. To work hard and do my best in school to be successful on life.

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

I can't complain about my life so I'll say that I wouldn't change anything. 

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

My grandmas death. 

What's your biggest fear?

My biggest fear.. It's becoming an alcoholic. My descendants and people in my family are alcoholic. So maybe that. 

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

For the opportunity to complete a higher education. And to have my family all together once again. 

What are you doing after graduation?

I'm going to college, CSU Channel Islands. I don't know what I'm going to study yet. 

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a person who liked to work hard to become successful. And as a good friend. A person who is not afraid of making friends, a very social person who likes to help and make others to smile.

1. When I wore white shorts and sat on ketchup. Everyone thought I was on my period and I had to tie my sweatshirt around my waist.

2. One of them would have to be making it to my high school basketball team because I just moved and there was tough competition I didn't think I'd make it. Another one would have to be waking up my parents  at 3 am  to tell my them I got admitted to UC Santa Cruz. I was so happy to be accepted to a UC school up north.

3. When my dad bought a Wii and we all played it together as a family. I'm always happy when I'm with my family. Basketball at the park, watching Warriors games, those Wii nights...

4. When I was younger and one of my teachers told me that I couldn't handle AP Classes. It made it seems as if she didn't have hope in me.

5. Capable of handling and balancing sports and academics. Handling things I  thought I wasn't good enough to do and excelling in all of them.

6. HS made me realize that you shouldn't care what others think of you. When I moved here, I wanted to fit it in. However, as I saw other people around me at school I realized it's not important to fit in.

7. My parents, my dad works super long hours and it motivates me to stay focused and finish my education while my mom is kindhearted and caring, I inherited those traits to make sure to treat everyone equally and love everyone.

8. I'd manage my time better. I would study for the SAT and ACTs more and I tend to procrastinate even though I'm committed to what I do. I'm always late.

9. My SAT scores and AP Test results.

10. Being a failure in life. Not heights or clowns or anything like that.

11. Having a loving family, reliable friends. Talent (my dog). Anyone who shaped me to be the person that I am today.

12. Going to college at UC Santa Cruz. Moving back to the Bay Area and get a job where I'll be happy- a pediatrician, going to watch Warrior Games, give back to my family. That's what I'm going to do. One of my main objectives is to give back to my family for all they've done to me.

13. As someone who was always there for everyone. As someone who put all their effort in everything they did.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
When I slipped in a puddle of mud and I was dripping in slimy mud to class.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
Most memorable is powder puff because it was a great feeling to be together.. and to feel the adrenaline rush along with all the other seniors.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
My first time going to Disneyland.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
My biggest hardship is simply having to overcome situations that life has thrown at me.. and still be able to remain happy.

What are you proudest of? Why?
I'm proud of making it this far in general and knowing that I am actually going to graduate, basically accomplishing my life goals.

How has HS changed you?
High school has really changed me because now I can recognize my real friends and I especially learned not to take things for granted.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
The most influential person in my life has been my mom. She has given me the best advice over the years, and has been there for me when times got difficult.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
If I had the chance what would I do differently? What I would do is take the right classes, and be more associated with school. Especially now that I know that it really matters.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
My biggest disappointment in life is messing up my grades.

What's your biggest fear?
Never meeting a One Direction member.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
I am most grateful for living a healthy life and having a family and a home because many people don't have that and we shouldn't take it for granted.

What are you doing after graduation?
After graduation I am going to college and majoring in psychology.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as the girl who was obsessed with One Direction, but I think I have already established that. 

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
When Dr Preston gave us a journal prompt asking what is your ice cream moment. I thought maybe he's asking for a sad moment, I thought it was a metaphor.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
This year when I checked.. I used to check my Cal Poly SLO portal every day.. and in English one day I checked my portal and it said "Congratulations", and I called my parents. I was so excited.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
It would be when I was in Korea I had myself and two other friends I knew since I was three. My mom was friends with their moms and we would hang out everyday. We would ride bikes every day and be loud, and all the neighbors knew us. I haven't seen them for like 8 years but I still talk to them. .

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
Me personally I didn't have a hardship, but when we moved here I saw my parents going through hardships. I don't have many hardships, maybe when I'm hungry... Once I was really hungry and I started getting dizzy.

What are you proudest of? Why?
When I got my PG&E veterans scholrship, I usually get help for scholarships, like from a teacher or friend, but that one I wrote by myself and I actually got it.

How has HS changed you?
Joining AVID changed me a lot, I have closer friends and they made me get more confidence.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
My sister cause she came here when she was a freshman and in four years she made it into UC Berkely and it's a great accomplishment. She taught me that things are possible if you work hard.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
To think more positive cause I tend to think negative and that can be bad sometimes; try to be a happier person.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
I don't really have one.

What's your biggest fear?
Any insects that can fly, especially if they make noise, I go crazy. Any flying insects.

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?
My family. My friends. I'm blessed.

What are you doing after graduation?
I am enjoying my summer with my family. Then I'm going to college, to Cal Poly SLO. But I'll still be close to Santa Maria, so I'll visit.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a happy person, but not as crazy happy, with respect.. as respectful.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?
When shots were fired.

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
Spending time with friends out of school, and then that wake-a-thon though!

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?
I think going to the Philippines and celebrating my sister's birthday. It was my first time remembering everything. I still remember it to his day, it was life changing, even tho at that age you didn't really understand it. I understood poverty and yet, how to have fun. And it was raining but still a lot of fun.

What has been your biggest hardship in life?
I think trying to get my dad to understand that I'm gunna do things my own way. And that things aren't always gunna go his way, just to understand.

What are you proudest of? Why?
I'm just proud of having connections with people and friends, overcoming my quiet zone.

How has HS changed you?
I have learned a lot of things, made a lot of friends... I realized that I've done a lot of bad things before, like in friendships, like I didn't know I use to bully, that I left friends behind.. I still regret that and being that way. I realized that I've done bad things.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?
The doctor that I shadowed, he was the most influential cause he had the condition Parkinson's and still managed to be a doctor. He taught me to keep on going even though you might have a handicap.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?
I wish I went back in time and actually tried hard and worked up my grades, and that I actually searched up a lot of school stuff that would have helped me.

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
Test scores even tho they dot matter. Just those SAT and ACT.

What's your biggest fear?
NOTHING, NOT REALLY. 

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

What are you doing after graduation?
I'm going to UC Riverside and majoring in biology. I'm gunna work during summer but also gunna spend time with family in Vegas.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a good friend.