Cristina Aviña, 18
Where are you from, originally? Morgan Hill
What are your plans after high school? I plan to attend the University of Southern California, where I will study biology.
Favorite high school memory: I believe that my whole high school experience will be unforgettable with the friends I have made, advice I have received and overall amazing times I have enjoyed throughout my past four years here at Live Oak High School.
What was your biggest challenge in high school? Trying to tell myself to let some activities go in order to not stress out, but I feel like taking on many different activities has allowed me to succeed more.
Extracurriculars: Water polo, basketball, swimming, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, California Scholarship Federation, Interact Club, Girl Scouts, Junior Giants Baseball, tutor, runner at Guglielmo Winery and many others.
What inspires you? The many people that have helped me to get to where I am today, including my mom, who has been by my side guiding me and inspiring me to be a stronger, bigger person, as well as my many mentors, advisors and friends, who have helped me in my times of need. Without the help of all of the people I have encountered, I would not be where I am today, ready to help others out and create success for others, too. Also, I believe that my personal troubles have been a large cause to why I am who I am today; I do not believe that I would be as willing to change the lives of others if I would not have faced troubles of my own, causing me to try to fix the lives of others while strengthening myself to withstand my own problems. I also believe that my father has been a big inspiration, as he has struggled to get past his many problems, but to this day I can say I am very proud of him and, in this way, look up to him. Also, by brother and sisters have taught me that they are some of the strongest people I know, and I would love to have some of the characteristics that strengthen them as individuals. Being a first-generation student, I understand that I must work hard to get to where I want in life. The motivation to reach success within my own life and receive an advanced education is one of my many goals, and I am pushed further towards success due to my desire to help my family and all of those who have assisted me. I want to make a difference, so I must strive to succeed in order to do so.
What’s your dream career? Working with and helping both children and animals. I believe that I would love a career in an area such as pet therapy for disabled children.
Favorite subject of study: Biology.
