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.