UNITY STRENGTHENS US
Y-SCHOLARS CLASS OF 2019
Amani Aledlah In 12 years, I picture myself writing a book or traveling the world if I am financially stable. I wish I had advised myself freshman year that I should not plan to finish things based on deadlines. Instead, plan and start ahead! Also, don't be so shy and try to open up more because I realized there are so many great people in the world who wanted to get to know me! As I am transitioning, I am excited to learn what I am passionate about and become more independent.
Aracely Medina Garcia In 12 years, I hope to become an OB/GYN and assist many women throughout my community. I wish I had advised myself to buy an SAT book early and to actually take the time to study, even if it was just a little. I am a little nervous to go to college because I am going to be exposed to an entirely new environment. However, I am excited to open up to a new community and make new friends!
Asia Lanay Joyner In 12 years, I hope to have fulfilled my dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and having my own business. Some advice I would give to my freshman self would be to always stay on top of grades because they are essential for not only college, but for life going forward.
Camila Garcia Frausto By the time I’m 30, I see myself crying but in a cute and fashionable way because I’ll be caught up in student debt. Looking back at freshman year, I would have given myself advice to try and do things that you think you may not like such as: sports, outdoor activities, extracurriculars, clubs, or even internships. Now that I'm off to college, I'm excited to leave home and experience life and the world on my own by truly becoming independent.
Carlos S. Estrada Luna By the age of 30, I hope to be starting my car customization business and living with my family. I would advise freshman Carlos to just be yourself and keep a straight path because there are moments in that journey that will try to make you crack. For this new chapter in my life, I am most excited to gain my independence, the ability to help my parents out more, and a pathway to the job of my dreams.
Asia Daisy Bermudez Paredones By the age of 30, I see myself working as a psychologist and opening up my own office. The advice I would give my freshman self would be to not be afraid to ask for help. This is because there are so many people around you that can and will help you. I am most excited about the college dorm life experience and going to school in a new location.
Daniel Bui In about 12 years, I see myself working in the government as the next UN Ambassador to the United States. Some advice I would give to my 9th grade self would be to make connections - get those good friends. As I transition into starting a new chapter in my life, I am most excited about creating a stable income for myself.
David Alonzo
In 12 years, I see myself investing in financial assets like real estate and the stock market. I see myself working in a high position for a company owned by LVMH, Kering, or Richemont and getting serious with my hobbies like watches and drawing. Looking back, I would advise myself to not procrastinate and challenge myself to get more involved in extracurriculars. I am excited about being in an environment with new people, classes, and opportunities.
David Guiza By the age of 30, Â I see myself going to a lot of professional sports games like baseball, soccer, and football. I wish I had advised myself in freshman year to try my best, to stay on top of my work, and to not procrastinate. I am excited for having more freedom and not having one class right after the other in this new journey.
De'Mahjanay Tinsley As I am moving on in a new chapter, I am very excited to learn more about biology and the human body. In 12 years, I hope to be working as an emergency medical technician. Some advice I would give freshman De'Mahjanay would be to always stay focused and not let the little things in life distract you from your studies.
Destiny Acevedo-Buendia When I am 30, I hope to work as an animator or to travel around the world to discover new places that will positively impact me. Some advice I would give my freshman self would be to keep pushing forward and understand that there are always other choices and opportunities out there. You just have to find and want them.
Frida Sofia MuĂąoz Rojas By the time I am 30 years old, I see myself traveling to Cuba or having a job that involves traveling on a consistent basis. I wish I had given my freshman self the advice of not slacking off. You will make it a habit which inevitably does not help in the long run. As I am transitioning into a new stage in my life, I am most excited to see how my future will unfold.
Helen Zhao-Chen When I am 30, I see my future with a long term career in the medical field, a house, a car, and no loans. Also, I will have my own family with 2 children. Some advice I would give to my freshman self would be to not overthink too much. Enjoy and view life in a more positive way. Very importantly, do not procrastinate.
Iyassu Allen As I am leaving high school, I wish I had advised my freshman self to take standardized tests seriously because it is impossible to study and practice all last minute and get a perfect score. In 12 years, one of my biggest dreams is living a stress-free life.
Josue Torres When I am 30, I hope to be working my dream job with a small and happy family. Reflecting on my high school years, I would advise my freshman self to just enjoy high school and life. As I am growing and starting a new chapter, I am extremely excited to be taking steps towards my dream job.
Keerthana Peddiboina By the age of 30, I hope to be working at a stable job and traveling to new countries. Some advice I would have given to my 9th grade self would be to not stress too much about everything because it's not always that serious. Moving into the college life, I am most excited about being more independent.
Kiana Panganiban Leaving high school, I am most excited about pursuing my passions and opening new opportunities. Â As a senior who is close to graduating, I reflect on the advice I would have given my freshman self: be the light through all the dark times. I hope that by the time I am 30 years old I can be happy and successful and loving life.
Luis Ramirez By the time I am 30, I hope to be working in an office and coding for a software developing company. Some advice I would have given myself as a freshman would be to manage my time efficiently and set my priorities straight in order to get work done on time and with no stress. What I am most excited about now that I am starting a new chapter is that I will be able to have more freedom.
Melody Cao In 12 years, I see myself still contemplating what to do with my life. I wish I had advised myself to look for extracurricular activities. You never know what kind of opportunities you might come across, and they might help you in the long run. Challenge yourself and never settle for less!
Natalia Guerrero As I am beginning a new chapter in my life, I am most excited about becoming more independent and creating my own schedule. Some advice I would give my freshman self would be to not always stress about school and enjoy my high school years because I only experience high school once. By the time I am 30, I see myself out of medical school and beginning my first year as an OB/GYN at Kaiser.
Natalie Sowers In 12 years, I hope to be working within the dermatology field. Some advice I would give my freshman self would be to maintain an organized schedule. I am most excited about networking at various campus sites now that I am transitioning into a new chapter of my life.
Roshan Acharya By the age of 30, I see myself either working at an IT company or in the Air Force. An advice I would give my freshman self would be to not skip classes. Also, I would advise myself to set goals and maintain a balance between friends and school. Finally, I am most excited about starting a new chapter in my life and getting closer to be able to work in my dream job - the Air Force.
Sergio Ramirez De Nelaton In 12 years, I hope to be performing surgeries as an orthopedic surgeon in CA. I want to be local and stay close to my community so I feel the sensation and satisfaction of helping my peers that I grew up with. I would have advised my freshman self to get glasses! I am most excited for working towards my degree and getting into medical school!
Victoria MuĂąoz
In 30 years, I hope to be a judge for one of the CA courts. I see myself living in San Diego with my family and hopefully having a farm with plenty of animals. An advice I would give to my freshman self: Don't be so serious and let go. Go out, make friends, and have fun. There is time for everything. As I transition to college life, I am excited to be in a new environment where I can finally be independent. I want to learn more about what interests me, and I can't wait to study abroad in Italy or Greece.
Yegha Jamyang By the age of 30, I hope to be working as a dermatologist from the medical route or the cosmetic route and making BANK. Some advice I would have given myself as a freshman would be to not overthink because that will cause you so much unwanted negative energy. I am most excited about meeting new people and exploring a new world as well as getting closer to my dream career.
Yesenia Verdin Now that I am transitioning into college life, I am excited to start a new chapter where I depend on myself and can take classes that interest me and support my future career. As I look back at my freshman self, I wish I had I advised myself to get more involved in school clubs. When I am 30 years old, I see myself continuing to pursue my life-long dreams and passion for singing and music.
Staff Acknowledgements Program Lead Staff
--Audi Huang---Jose Herrera Cruz-------------------------Selena Vega---Aida Marin-Christopher Alvarez Program --Cinthia Lopez---Diana Roque-Counselors --Dominic Ky-Farheen Jamshed -Lucas Gomes- Valerie Plascencia Anahi Flores-Garcia | Connie Mi Program ------Evelyn Arellano-----Tutors ----Kalena Caravalho---------Kevin Chai-----------Lia Mezzio------Talia Hernandez-Vanessa Rodriguez Program -Grace NwakuduAssistants --Naz Balkam-Jocelyn Noguez -Nerissa ConsProgram Senior --Ritu Gupta-Advisors Isabel Bickford -Luisa SerranoSelena Cuevas Program -Abel CastilloVolunteers --Ethan Karp--
SPECIAL LIFE QUOTES FROM STAFF “If you don’t A-S-K, you don’t G-E-T.” - José Herrera Cruz
"It isn't where you came from; it's where you're going that counts." (Ella Fitzgerald) - Dominic Ky "Be the change you want in the world." (Gandhi) - Ritu Gupta "Leave the world more interesting for you being here." (Neil Gaiman) "Be the authors of your next chapter, take - Isabel Bickford [calculated] risks, and believe in yourself! Make every opportunity count." - Madeleine Moyer "1. Network, network, network. 2. Hustle 3. Always reach out for help, advice, and opportunities, even "Don't be distracted by emotions if the first few answers are 'no'." like anger, envy, resentment. - Anita Tam These just zap energy and waste time." (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) - Sylvia Yang "Understand that regardless of your background, you are valuable, you are deserving, and you will make it. Putting your "You are your ancestors' best into everything is enough!" wildest dreams." - Selena Cuevas - Luisa Lopez Serrano