Santiago Cardenas

When I was marked absent in JROTC because I did not understand when they were taking attendance, I knew it would not be easy. At first, I was afraid of taking something I could not handle, so I requested Algebra 1-A, but I also took Honors Agricultural Science Foundations. By the time I finished my first year, I had earned a recognition in JROTC known as the LET Service Ribbon. As part of my uniform, I understood that achievements like that were within my reach.

Although I still did not know many things, I discovered Spanish Club, a safe place where I could meet people in a situation similar to mine. During this time, I began completing my community service hours. Together with Spanish Club, I helped organize Christmas gifts for children from low-income families. I also participated in school events such as Winter Fest, representing the club, and we even organized a fundraiser for our own benefit in which I prepared the products and participated in distributing them.

By my junior year, I was ready to leave the ESOL program and begin taking regular English classes. However, I chose to take Honors Geometry because I was somewhat behind and knew I had to do something. That was when I started Dual Enrollment. I took College Success and gave it my best. I passed the Geometry exam, increased my community service hours, and by the end of the year, I was recognized with an Honors Medal.

For my final year, I focused even more. I had the opportunity, and I knew I had to take it. Although I started slowly in mathematics, I requested Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra through Dual Enrollment. During this time, I discovered an interest in science through Honors Physics. As an additional challenge, I took AP Spanish, and by the time I finished the class and took the exam, my score was a 5. Since I could not take any more advanced classes at school, I had to take them online, where I completed a semester of Honors Algebra 2 and Honors Astronomy. I finished with 203 community service hours, with my final service being Transition Day, a day when I represented the club and invited new students to join. On the other hand, that year I was invited to National Honor Society, where we participated in activities such as decorating for Senior Sunrise. On awards day, I was recognized for receiving a scholarship called the Future Eagle Award, and I officially graduated with High Honors.

I left there with my goals in my hands, incredible friendships, and an idea that could bring me back to education, this time as a contributor.