C U LT U R E , C O M M E R C E A N D C O M M U N I T Y I N V I S A L I A A N D T U L A R E — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H VA L L E Y
CHARACTER COUNTS! TEXT BY KELLEY PETTY, CHARACTER COUNTS! COORDINATOR, TULARE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Striving to Help Others
Aime Alarcon, Senior Harmony Magnet Academy, Porterville A teacher by nature since the age of 10 “When I was a little girl, I dreamt of one day being able to coach my own group of youthful swimmers who shared my dream of becoming one of the strongest swimmers in California.” These are the words of Harmony Magnet High School graduate Aime Alarcon. Aime had the opportunity to live out this dream as a city league swim coach during her high school years. While receiving her own accolades in aquatics, Aime focused on using time and patience to teach younger swimmers the techniques that would ultimately improve their skills. “As their coach, it’s a satisfying feeling to witness what they’ve accomplished,” Aime says. “Their personal best times fuel my desire to coach others and not focus only on improving my own skills. With patience and dedication, I feel capable of changing the mindset of another person, and it permits me to grow as an individual and mentor as well.” In the fall, Aime will major in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she will
continue to turn her dreams into reality. From her days as a 10-year-old helping her mom with language translation to excelling in academics and graduating third in her class, Aime strives to improve not only her own life with education, but the lives of those around her, too.
initiated the Ambassadors to Goodwill Club at Granite Hills High School. This student club helps the homeless in the community. Through Mariela’s leadership and persistence, the club was able to collect donations citywide that provided food and warmth for those less fortunate.
Counselor Paula Roche describes Aime by noting, “Whether she is achieving high grades, being part of a team, or working and volunteering countless hours serving her school and community, Aime is an inspiring role model to others.”
Out of the many activities this club led, Mariela felt that the Holiday Hot Meals project provided a defining awareness of a community issue and established some clear goals for her future. “I witnessed first-hand a crisis in our community. While there are many homeless people in the area that may go several days without having a meal, very few people actually take action to help. I hope to continue this project for several years to come – no matter what city I am in – because homelessness and hunger is an epidemic throughout America.”
Aime has plans to pursue a career in education to the doctorate level, acquiring the expertise and knowledge needed to be most effective in the teaching arena and lead our schools to greatness.
Mariela Rivas Ayon, Senior Granite Hills High School, Porterville Helping others comes naturally for Mariela Mariela recognized a need and did more than just volunteer. She developed a plan and inspired others to take a larger role in serving others as well. Last year, Mariela – on her own –
Teacher Dan Williams confirms, “Mariela has to be one of the most selfless young ladies I have ever been around. You do not encounter those qualities enough in young people these days. She is not afraid of hard work and sacrifices to accomplish a task at hand. There have been many times I wished that we could clone her because she is a great example of what every parent would want from their child. Her field of study will benefit countless people and many will be lucky that they have come into contact with her.” Throughout high school, Mariela has volunteered numerous hours in the nursing field. In the fall, she will continue her caring character and pursue a degree in nursing at California State University, Fresno. DIRECT MAGAZINE
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