By providing mentorship and resources, high schools ensure that their students, especially seniors, are well-prepared for their future endeavors, whether that be college, vocational training, or entering the workforce. Ruben S. Ayala High School excels in fostering remarkable achievements among its senior students. Through a combination of dedicated teaching, personalized support, and a vibrant learning environment, the school empowers students to reach their full potential. Here are a couple of great examples.
Annalie Vargas-Melena: Marine 0311 Runner
Rather than pursuing general education, Vargas-Melena chose to join the military—specifically the Marines as an 0311 runner, which is the main infantry soldier. They serve as scouts, assault units and close-combat teams for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Her ultimate goal is to join the SWAT team to help regular patrol officers who struggle with situations like hostage situations, barricaded suspects, active shooter incidents and high-risk warrants. The military can also foster considerable personal development and boost confidence and resilience.
This feat comes with challenges, though. The main challenge Vargas-Melena faced was undergoing a major surgery that removed the fibula in her left leg, making it weaker. However, through strength training, she’s slowly overcoming it.
“My advice would be to just pursue it and be prepared to be strong,” said Vargas-Melena (12). “The main thing about the military or Marines is they’re going to want to break you, so even if you feel like you’re at your limit, keep moving forward and be strong.”
Evan Chang: Cornell University
Chang was inspired to apply to Cornell University for a variety of reasons, from his father going there, which helped with the familiarity, to visiting the campus, which showed him the hardworking students and professors, and feeling a certain peace within the campus.
He felt the most joy when he and his family, who were huddling by the computer, found out he got in. He even leaped out of his chair. By taking the biomechanical engineering path, he plans on becoming an orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in the creation of medical devices for the treatment of cancer. The subject is very personal to him, so he hopes to improve the lives of other people by creating these devices that are able to help and treat their illnesses.
“My advice would be to know why you’re choosing that college,” said Evan Chang (12). “You should really sit down and focus on what you want to do. ‘Will this college help me? Am I going to be happy in this sort of environment?’”
Brady Smith: Stanford
Smith is a special case—he originally didn’t want to apply to Stanford. However, with convincing from his loved ones and the fact that it’s not far from home, he applied. Getting accepted left him very shocked because he didn’t expect it at all, but after a few seconds, he was very excited. He celebrated with his mom.
As for his future, he’s not fully sure what he wants to do yet. However, he’s leaning toward majoring in economics or political science and then going to law school. With that plan, he sees Stanford helping him—first, because the school has a good law school, and second, because being around very smart and academically driven people can push him to better himself.
“My advice is to not wait till the last minute like I did,” said Brady Smith (12). “Also, believe in yourself. I didn’t believe in myself until I actually got in, so never doubt yourself.”
Ruben S. Ayala High School plays a pivotal role in preparing its seniors for diverse futures, as exemplified by students like Vargas-Melena, Chang, and Smith, who each demonstrate resilience and ambition in pursuing their unique paths. Their stories highlight the importance of mentorship, personal growth and the courage to follow one’s dreams—ultimately inspiring others to believe in themselves and strive for success.
