Q. Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. My dad Manuel, my mom Lorena and my sister Zury.

Q. As a senior, do you have any specific goals you will pursue this academic year?

A. This academic year I hope to continue to work hard in my courses in order to maintain a stable grade average.

Q. What is your favorite class at Emmaus High School? Why?

A. This year my favorite two classes so far are Sociology DC with Mr. Pum as well as my AP Literature class with Mr. Gavin. I like my sociology class mostly because I enjoy Mr. Pum’s way of teaching; he lightens up my day. Although English has never been my strongest class, Mr. Gavin is always happy to help, and is a good reminder for me to enjoy even the little moments in life.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. Every year I am one among a certain amount of students who receives a certificate signed by U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th. I’ve been selected before in order to attend a two-week engineering program at Lehigh University. I’ve been selected to take the National Assessment of Educational Progress at my school. In middle school I was recognized for National Junior Honor Society under the scholarship column and was able to give a little speech for other students in NJHS.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has being involved in these organizations impacted your high school experience?

A. I’ve been a part of French club for two years, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society and I also help run our school’s Science Honor Society. I’m also a Hornet Ambassador and I’ve previously been a student mentor. Outside of school I work at Captured LV Escape Room in Allentown. I attend weekly martial arts classes, volunteer at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, Macungie Memorial Park and have also entered DaVinci Science Center as a volunteer. I think being a part of these organizations has really helped me realize I love helping out. Some of my best memories are from my volunteer opportunities.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. If I’m being honest, It’s been a struggle to balance out life’s struggles, academics, work and other bumps that get in the way while focusing on school. I’ve always been encouraged to have good grades in school since I am a second generation American. Some of my family never had the opportunity to be able to stay in school long enough to receive a diploma or any sort of certification, so it’s a great deal for me to be graduating. I am nothing but grateful for this opportunity.

Q. At this time, what are your plans for the future beyond high school?

A. After high school I will be entering the Navy. My contract is signed for five years of active duty service. While in the military I hope to study online for a degree in cybersecurity or finance. After that, I hope to pursue a degree in engineering and would love to be a certified pilot.

Q. If you could spend an evening conversing with a historically significant person, whom would you choose? Why?

A. I’d probably choose Michelle Obama. I feel she’s a great example of what younger girls and young women should strive to be like. I’d ask questions about her career, her values, how she manages life overall and her schedule.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. My passion for life. I feel this would encourage others to do the same. You were given life – live it, do what you want, live exactly how you want to. All is good as long as your not hurting others. It is everyone’s first time living after all, why would you want to hurt someone?

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. It can feel very pressuring to have to choose a career path, knowing there is more than just college as an option. Everyone learns differently. A number does not define you. Seek what is interesting to you, explore, take new courses, be unexpected, embrace the beauty of tiny moments in life. Learn to regulate your stress and anger; the faster you become calm, the more time there is to enjoy life.