Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I am currently a senior at Emmaus High School.

Q. Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. My dad, Ari Valero, my mom, Marcia Mendez, my sister, Aimee Valero-Mendez and my dog, Lenny.

Q. What is your favorite subject and why?

A. My favorite subject is either AP Biology or French. The community that has been created while being in those classes is an experience that makes me look forward to them every day. The teachers for both classes are also a major reason for my love for them. I enjoy learning about genetics and molecular biology in class and how something microscopic can have a large impact on our health. French class allows me to not only learn about a new language but also immerse myself in different cultures.

Q. Have you received any award or special recognition?

A. In the 2021-2022 school year, I received the Excellence in French Award. I have also been on either Principal’s Honor Roll or Honor Roll every marking period. This year, I was part of the team representing EHS in the Biology Olympics where we won first place in experimental design.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has being involved in these organizations impacted your high school experience?

A. I am involved in French Club, costumes for the school musical and play, National Honor Society, French Honor Society and I used to play tournament softball. Through these activities, I learned the benefits of working with others as a team as well as creating new friendships with people that have different interests.

Q. What do you consider to be your biggest challenge to date?

A. I consider my biggest challenge to be my shyness because I tend to hesitate a lot to initiate new relationships and miss out on experiences. Getting involved in different activities helps me meet new people and overcome some of my shyness.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I admire my parents a lot because of what they have done and sacrificed for my sister and I to live the lives we do. They immigrated from Mexico to study for their masters and doctorate at Texas A&M and have done a lot for my sister and I. Despite all the time it took, they have been able to create a good life for us where we have the opportunity to do the activities we want and study where we want. They are my greatest inspiration and the people I admire the most.

Q. For what would you want to be remembered?

A. I want to be remembered for being a good person and someone who is reliable. I always try to be kind and respectful to people and not make them upset.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. I would say to try to keep in contact with your friends once you go to different colleges. When you are in high school, it is easy to see your friends since you are in the same place as them, but once you graduate, it becomes harder. It is important to maintain those relationships you have created over the past years. You have made so many memories in such an important part of your life that sharing them with friends will help you navigate your future endeavors.