High School/Graduation Yr.:
St. Ignatius College Prep, 2012

College, Major
University of Pennsylvania, Cinema Studies

What are your plans post-graduation?
I plan on obtaining an MFA for filmmaking. I like the freedom of film, specifically the ability to tell stories. The filmmaking medium allows audiences to participate in a unique experience, one where an entire group of people experience the same situations. I like that it opens people up to one another.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school?
I enjoy playing sports at school with peers from around campus. Every once in a while I play chess with my family, as well as FIFA.

What on-campus activities are you involved in and what are you most proud of so far in your college journey?
I wrote for the school newspaper. I’m proud of the articles I published. I think the most important thing that I’m proud of was finding my savior, Jesus Christ. Without him, I don’t know where I’d be, spiritually or mentally. Being exposed to a broken society can also at times break you, and without my Lord, I would not be where I am.

How have you carried HFS with you on your educational and professional journey?
HFS was important because it helped me engage with people outside of my own culture. Before I came into HFS, I didn’t know many people at St. Ignatius. HFS helped me meet people like Rosa and Karla, and allowed me to grow outside of my comfort zone. It helped me build my friendbase with people who pushed themselves academically, which made me strive to do the same.

What advice would you give a graduating HFS senior?
Stay strong, Praise God, and follow your heart!

In what ways was/is your mentor a significant player in your life?
He helped open my mind to the different journeys of life. He also helped reduce my fear of failure. We had many conversations about the importance of persistence, and how in life, we all fail at the things we try hardest at. But if you truly love something, you don’t give up on it.

Describe HFS in three words!
Diverse, caring, motivating/encouraging!

What is your favorite HFS memory?
My favorite memory from HFS was our service trip where we painted the walls of one of the inner city schools. It made me realize the value of community service, and how helping others can also help build your self esteem.

How has HFS impacted your life?
The emotional support they granted me in high school helped build my confidence at a time where I was really vulnerable. They helped reassure me in my pursuit of academic excellence. People like my mentor, George, took me to a place, mentally, that I couldn’t have gotten to alone.