KATRIA DELACRUZ

Interview by Sameen Hasan

Photography by Lauren Mascarado and Madeline Oakley

At just seventeen years old, Katria DelaCruz has accomplished more than many others her age. Planning to graduate early, attend UCLA, and enter the medical program, Katria’s story is one of determination, hard work, and a passion for helping others. From the early days of her education to her current status as a soon-to-be UCLA student, it has been clear that she can only be described as “extraordinary.”

Not only is she an academic weapon, but as I interviewed her, I also got to learn more about her as a person. With all that she has accomplished already, Katria manages to stay humble. During the duration of our day, as we drove around to different locations to take hundreds of photos, she stayed patient and kind, allowing the photographers to experiment and take photo after photo After spending just a few hours with her, it is obvious Katria is a truly genuine person with a huge heart As the day ended, it became increasingly clear that we had made the right decision regarding who would be on the cover of this issue of Voices Magazine

Our day started bright and early at 9 a m As we all gathered around in Ella’s living room, the interview began; the first of many questions started being asked and answered

Q: What is something you wish more people knew about you?

A: “I wish people knew that I do get overwhelmed with the responsibilities and expectations that I get from all the activities that I am doing ”

Being thoroughly involved in the RBHS campus, Katria plays basketball, does track, and is on the Universal Movement team

Q: What do you hope to accomplish by being on the cover of this magazine?

A: “I hope to share the stories that I do have to tell, and kind of raise awareness for issues I am passionate about ”

After taking numerous photos, we started discussing her future in the medical field

Q: Why did you decide to go into the medical field?

A: “Because I’m passionate about pediatric oncology, and I’ve had a lot of experience with cancer and treatment ”

Q: What are your goals while in the medical field?

A: “To research and work as hard as I can in order to take care of kids with cancer ”

Q: Are there any cons to going into the medical field?

A: “Yes, *laughs* Well, for one, I have to- well, I want to go through the military in order to pay for medical school, because I’m trying to avoid student debt But, there is a con to that; I do have to serve for ten years after I get my medical degree because the government is paying for my medical school But, also, there are a lot of liabilities to being a doctor, which is a lot of responsibility I hope to be ready for that ”

Through her decision to join the military after getting her medical degree in order to avoid student debt, Katria’s dedication to becoming a pediatric oncologist is clear Her passion for her future career is one that is rare One that many people go their whole lives without experiencing

After spending an hour or so at Ella's house, we drive over to a flower field, hoping to catch the spring bloom. On the way, Katria discusses her academic career; the past, present, and future of it.

Q: What made you come to the decision to graduate early?

A: "I was feeling like I was held back by high school, and I didn't want to be limited. So, I decided to start taking college classes as a freshman in high school, so that I could graduate when I wanted to."

Everyone in the car has an expression of either shock or admiration. When most of us were freshmen, college was not at the forefront of our minds.

Q: What advice would you give to someone planning on graduating early?

A: "I would say just be in control of your own path because you don't really have to listen to anyone except for yourself. Only you can decide and make sure you get to where you want to. So prioritize yourself and your well-being, and you'll be good."

Q: Why did you decide to apply to UCLA?

A: "I think UCLA has always been my dream school, and I have a full ride basically-"

Before she has a chance to finish her thought, we all express our own shock at her success. "That's valid!" Lauren adds, everyone else in the car laughing along.

"And I knew that I couldn't afford any private school that I would apply to, and UCLA is the number one public school in the country," Katria continues

Although she may have had financial limitations, that didn't stop her from continuing to pursue her dreams Instead, she worked hard enough to attend the NUMBER ONE public school in the country (let's just take a second to let that sink in) and hopefully apply to the UCSD medical school and further pursue her dream there, as well

After Katria takes a few more photographs at different locations, we are finally all walking back to the car, finished with the photoshoot This is when I am able to delve deeper into who Katria is as a person, outside of her outstanding academic and future career achievements One specific topic she is passionate about is mental health

Q: Why is mental health important to you?

A: "So I'm a part of the committee at our school called LIFE (Living Is For Everyone) Advisory, through the organization Mending Matters And we basically are the voice of mental health for the whole campus Having a role in that means that I try and prioritize the mental health of the students and try and figure out solutions to some problems And I think it's important because we always prioritize physical health over mental health, and I think just now it's being emphasized and it's a little late I think we can do better I know a lot of kids are struggling and so just being that light is the important part "

Q: What do you want to shed light on in terms of mental health?

A: "Just making sure that everyone is being kinder and more affectionate towards other people, I guess Kindness plays a big part in people's experiences, and it obviously shapes other people's perspectives. So, if we all have, like a more positive view on others and life then I think our world could be a little bit better too."

The last few questions Katria answer are quick and fun, providing more insight on who she is

Q: If you could say one thing to the whole world, what would it be?

A: "Just do better, I think Not in like a passive aggressive way, but in a way that we as individuals do better so other people as a whole can do better "

Q: Describe yourself in one word

A: "Stubborn "

Q: Which album would you use as the soundtrack to your life?

A: "About Time by Sabrina Claudio "

At 9:00 that morning when I asked Katria what she hopes to accomplish by being the cover person for this magazine, she had said that she wanted to share her stories and raise awareness for the issues she is passionate about After answering question after question, it's safe to say that she has accomplished what she set out to do By sharing her own story about becoming a pediatric oncologist in the future, and her path to get there, she has undoubtedly inspired many By discussing mental health, and why it is meaningful to her, Katria has brought upon awareness on an important subject that should be discussed more often After getting to know Katria a little bit better, there is one word in my mind that I feel fits her perfectly Girlboss

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- Interview by Sameen Hasan