Loves school: Will be first in family to graduate from high school. Is grateful for the opportunity. Says school is her favorite place.
Looking into the future: Plans to attend Everett Community College and then transfer to a four-year college. Wants to study optometry and minor in Spanish and business administration.
Perfect vision: Doesn’t need glasses, but wants to open an optometry office to help low-income families. Wants to be a doctor who avoids blood.
Ella habla Español: Born in Mexico City and speaks Spanish.
Crossing the border: Immigrated with her family in 2000. “It was pretty hard — especially not knowing a word of English. That was really hard. I went through rough times trying to learn English.”
Family ties: Lives with parents, three brothers and a sister. Dad and older brother work in construction. Mom is a homemaker who makes delicious Mexican food.
Paying her way: Works part-time as a receptionist and interpreter at H&R Block in Monroe. Often works 25 to 28 hours a week. Money pays for education and helps family.
Helping out: Volunteers in senior center, food bank and with school Key Club. Volunteer interpreter at hospital and other places.
Interpreting for others: “When I came here no one was able to help me and interpret for me. I know the feeling you get when you don’t understand someone.”
Hitting the books: Taking physics, pre-calculus, marketing, Western literature and government.
No favorite class: “I enjoy all of them. It really amazes me how I learn something new every day. I just enjoy all the teachers and the classes.”
Hawaiian adventure: Went to Maui for two weeks with chemistry class. Studied ecology and did experiments.
Looking up: “My parents are my role models. I know they went through a lot of hardship and they’re together.”
Dancing with family: Dances Salsa and Cumbia to Mexican music on the weekends with family. Sometimes they tape themselves and then laugh at mistakes.
Know a super kid? Contact us at 425-339-3036 or e-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.
