“Teen Services taught me that there is no right or wrong path in life; it doesn’t matter where you come from or the obstacles that life has placed before you. Work hard and work well, because there truly is a beauty in doing so.”
A little about me:
Age 21. I was born in Salamanca, Quanajuato Mexico. My mom is a stay-at-home mom, and my father is a gardener/property manager.
I enjoy running, working out, hiking the coast, spending time with my family and friends, traveling, reading books, gardening, and cooking.
What I remember about Teen Services:
I first became involved with Teen Services when I began volunteering for their new baking program – the Lovin’ Oven. I actually started the program with three other girls, worked there, and participated in the training of others. I participated in many of the Teen Center outings, and I would also go to the Teen Center just to hang out. While I was in high school, I went there almost every day.
I have a lot of wonderful and hilarious memories – Cowboy Cab 2013, the pop-up dinner Raggazzi in 2012, kayaking on Tomales Bay, mountain biking in China Camp, and really just having a great time with the staff and the other teens at the Center.
What I gained from Teen Services:
While I was at Teen [Services] I was exposed to many different people from all different walks of life. They gave me valuable advice – whether it was for a job, my health and wellbeing, school, friends, networking… even how to garden, or plan an event. These were all ingredients to a recipe that I have never forgotten.
I always knew that I wanted to go to college. That’s why I began volunteering at the Teen Center. I also knew that I needed to get a job, and the Teen Center helped me prepare for that.
Teen Services also gave me opportunities to learn something new and to experience new situations that I had never faced before. By doing so, Teen Services taught me that there is no right or wrong path in life; it doesn’t matter where you come from or the obstacles that life has placed before you. Work hard and work well, because there truly is a beauty in doing so.
Where I am now and where I’m going:
I am currently a full-time student at Santa Rosa Junior College, majoring in Biology. I work for Ten Thousand Degrees [a nonprofit preparing high school students for success in college] as a Student Ambassador, and I also work at a State Farm Insurance office as a receptionist.
In five years, I plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Biology from a UC. I plan to move away from Sonoma and live somewhere near Silicon Valley to work for a medical research facility. My most important goals are to be healthy and happy.
What are you proudest of?
I’m proud of everything that I have achieved and for my willingness to keep going. Life isn’t always easy; but if you stay motivated and truly work for your goals, I believe that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.