Taruna Aggarwal
Taruna Aggarwal |
Taruna Aggarwal
Emery Secondary School
UC Davis
Biology/Genetics
My participation in the East Bay Alliance for a Suitable Economy gave me the opportunity to find a new side of me. I always desired to help others and to make a difference; now I know I can. I am not only an academic student but also a civically involved person. I not only participate in many clubs, I also tutor students and try to reach my peers to come to the realization of the importance of college and of service above self.
“She investigates alternatives to maximize her academic prowess…and constantly shows how very supportive she is of her family and others.”
Donever Waters, Senior Library Assistant
Oakland Public Library |
Krsna Avila
Krsna Avila |
Krsna Avila
Skyline High School
UC Davis
Computer Science
On August 25, 2001, my cousin Everado Ortiz died at the age of twenty after an accident cause by drunk driving. It was his death that taught me a valuable lesson about life. When he was alive he was very smart, but he became a victim of peer pressure. I, too, was gradually losing track of my educational goals…I finally realized that there are many regrets in life and I did not want this to be one of them.
“Krsna’s intellect and strong work ethic are balanced by a great sense of humor and a true ability to work with others in a collaborative setting.”
Zach Ronneberg, Physics Teacher
Skyline Hight School |
Akiba Bradford
Akiba Bradford |
Akiba Bradford
Oakland High School
Knox University (Illinois)
Business/Government
Seeing Fiji’s people survive poverty with smiles on their faces made me appreciate my America. I used to wonder when the newest shoes and hottest technology would hit the market, not realizing there were people in other countries that didn’t know how to use a computer and couldn’t afford shoes. The poverty I am in doesn’t compare to the poverty in Fiji. I am learning how to appreciate my life and how to overcome my hardships. I came into this world fighting for my life and I’m still fighting.
“Akiba hiked a hundred miles in the Appalachian Mountains. The only African American in the program, she shared her history and life with her peers.”
Lorna Velasco, Executive Director
Summer Search San Francisco |
Perla Cantu
Perla Cantu |
Perla Cantu
MetWest High School
Mills College
Public Health/Biology
The experiences I have endured throughout my life have taught me to believe that working alongside somebody doubles the chances for great creations. For our lives to be meaningful, we have to determine what our purpose is by exploring our interest and passions, and learning that we must share our skills and knowledge with the community. With my FACES and Youth Radio volunteer experience I have discovered that I have a passion for healthcare and for empowering my community with knowledge.
“Perla is a natural born leader with lots of charisma, motivation and determination”
Christina Chung, 12th Grade Teacher/Advisor
MetWest High School |
Brittany Chambers
Brittany Chambers |
Brittany Chambers
McClymonds EXCEL High School
UC Berkeley
Chemistry/Law
I have realized that life is precious. Everyday I look forward to coming home to my year- old daughter. I am managing to be a full time student and mother. Nothing has been harder, but nothing has been as rewarding. I will be graduating an entire year early, ranking third in my class. I hold pure treasure; as my daughter grows, I also grow to accommodate her new needs. Through her I have gained time management, responsibility and endurance, skills I use to advance my education so that I can become more than another statistic.
“With maturity and integrity, Brittany confronts seemingly insurmountable obstacles, demonstrating her strength of character and her determination to rise above them.”
Stephanie Kusko, Chemistry Teacher
McClymonds EXCEL High School |
DeAndre Cherry
De’Andre Cherry |
De’Andre Cherry
Oakland Tech High School
Morehouse
Law/Engineering
I had an indifferent attitude my first year and a half of high school. Fortunately, my parents discussed my situation, telling me I was too smart to not succeed. I didn’t want to throw my life away, so I changed. Remarkably, my new mind set fostered an awakening; my GPA climbed an entire grade point in one semester. As Cross Country team captain, Black Students’ Union VP, and working with so many different individuals, I’ve learned to be a problem solver. Although I had a rough start, I managed to turn myself around.
“De’Andre’s hunger for learning is inspiring. He always wants to know how things work, and why things are.”
Parker Merrill, Director/ Instructor
Engineering Academy, Oakland Tech |
Jolene Emerson
Jolene Emerson |
Jolene Emerson
Far West High School
Cal State University, Sacramento
Health Education/Pediatrician
A profession in health care will make me a better person and allow me to start a new path for my family. My parents’ deaths made me look at life from a whole new perspective. I want my family to succeed and to stay drug and alcohol free. It is important for me to be successful in school so that my sister will have someone to look up to who can help her in the process of getting into college. Roadblocks in my life have motivated me to get an education to improve my life.
“Jolene’s pride and love of her Native American people is contagious; through her leadership she gives back and helps her community”
Anita Sufi, Teacher and Advisor
Oakland Unity High School |
Rakim Johnson
Rakim Johnson |
Rakim Johnson
Oakland Technical High School
UC San Diego
Pre-law/Lawyer
A wise man told me that 10% of what determines where your life goes is what happens to you, and 90% is how you react to it. I have decided that I’m not going to focus on what I don’t have, but rather take advantage of what I do have. I had no idea my brother and sisters were watching me, but because I had gotten good grades and worked hard they were compelled to get good grades and work hard. I’m proud of setting a good example and hopefully they’ll even surpass me.
“Rakim takes initiative in everything he does. Never down for long when obstacles arise, he understands how to bounce back and work harder the next time.”
Jonas Zuckerman, Teacher
Oakland Technical High School |
Evelyn Navarro
Evelyn Navarro |
Evelyn Navarro
Life Academy
Mills College
Public Health/Nurse
My Aunt Elena inspired me and gave me the safe space I did not have at home. When the doctor told us she had cancer, I was enraged. Two months later she passed away. Losing my aunt pushed me to become a stronger person. Life is short and I want to become a successful female leader. I hope to show Latinas that being responsible and hardworking is the path to becoming an independent woman. Only then can we help the people we love.
“Evelyn is responsible and goes the extra mile to help her peers. Academically strong, she asks deep questions, and probes to understand themes and concepts.”
Yumi Matsui, Teacher
Life Academy |
Long Nguyen
Long Nguyen |
Long Nguyen
Oakland Technical High School
Stanford
Sciences/Surgeon
Through the Faces for the Future internship I developed a love for the operating room. Working in Anesthesiology, I developed a fascination for the internal parts of a patient. And when I saw the reaction of the patients’ loved ones when the doctor told them the procedure was success, I knew I wanted to be that person. Life is the greatest gift you can give someone. Being accepted at Stanford was the first time in my life that I made my parents truly proud, but I know it will not be the last.
“Long joined the Junior State of America debate club to strengthen his public speaking to provide more effective health education and advocacy for his community.”
Catherine West, Faces for the Future
Children’s Hospital, Oakland
“Long is an outstanding student, but what I am most impressed with is his character. Currently, he is fundraising to support a child in Africa through World Vision.”
Doris Chai, Math Teacher
Oakland Technical High School |
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Ray Paulino
Ray Paulino |
Ray Paulino
Life Academy
UC Davis
Marine Biology/Health
Going to Paraguay changed my life; it was the first time that I actually comprehended, felt, lived and breathed just how hard working to live in the U.S. has been for my parents. Both of my parents worked until they were drained emotionally and physically. By my chores and responsibilities at home I was prepared to multitask in Paraguay. My parents drove me to do well in school because my grades were the only thing besides our family that put a smile on their faces.
“Ray’s initiative and leadership shine. The only one in his FACES group to do so, he raised his own funds to travel and work with Amigos de los Americas.”
Tomás Magaña, M.D., FACES for the Future
Children’s Hospital, Oakland |
Jose Antonio Rodriquez
Jose Antonio Rodriquez |
Jose Antonio Rodriquez
Life Academy
Sonoma State University
Biotechnology
I want to go to college not only to make my family proud but also to enlighten myself and crumble my family’s chain of educational deprivation. As a role model for my younger brother, I want him to know and feel that if I can do it, so can he. My parents came to this country to provide us with a better future; I hope to show them that their sacrifice was not in vain. Inspiration and good guidance are always needed therefore I try to help whoever I can.
“No matter how difficult the subject, Jose never gives up on himself or his peers; he meets the challenges and surpasses them.”
Candace Lee Hamilton, Math & Advisory Teacher
Life Academy |
Karmjit Singh
Karmjit Singh |
Karmjit Singh
Castlemont CBITS
Santa Cruz
Criminal Justice Lawyer
I know dealers, marijuana smokers, alcoholics, dice shooters, and gun carriers. In my community educational opportunity is scarce. Trying to stay alive and do well academically is tough; I deal with it every day and succeed. If I hadn’t kept my head on straight I would not be here today. From a young age watching over my little sister was tough, but I managed to do what had to be done, and now we are both doing very well in high school. I have overcome every obstacle in my life and I forever will.
“Against all odds, on his own and without role models himself, Karmjit has become an incredible role model for his sister and his peers.”
Leslie Hsu, East Bay Consortium/Cal-SOAP
Castlemont |
Edwin Soto
Edwin Soto |
Edwin Soto
Oakland Tech
UC Davis
Civil/Mechanical Engineering
In the Engineering Academy I’ve gained a firm idea of what Engineering is and its related fields. Working on Close-Up I’ll experience government and politicians. I take every opportunity to enhance my speaking and thinking abilities. What my mother had to go through just to come to this country motivates me. I know that no-one is going to take care of me except for myself; I absorb all I can now so that I can support myself and my children in the future.
“Edwin developed and completed complex County and State Fair engineering projects. Pushed to his academic limits, his “stick to it and finish it” attitude prevailed.”
Parker Merrill, Teacher Director
Engineering Academy Oakland Tech |
Varsovia Zepeda
Varsovia Zepeda |
Varsovia Zepeda
Lionel Wilson Preparatory Academy
Cal State East Bay
International Business
My experiences have forced me to grow up faster than I expected. I know that I can survive whatever challenges life throws my way. I have become more independent and determined to succeed. I now volunteer with an after school program for young girls that focuses on building self-esteem. I want to provide the support that was missing in my life. If I can help or rescue one girl, I can live with the nightmare of being molested.
“With grace and professionalism Varsovia handles high pressure problems and personalities. Along with her keen intellect she offers her passion for becoming stronger and wiser.”
Vernell Deslonde, Director of Guidance
Lionel Wilson Preparatory Academy |
