AH: How long have you been at St. HOPE and how has your experience been?

FM: It all started in 7^th grade, when my parents felt I wasn’t being challenged at my current elementary school.  They transferred me to PS7 Middle School… and that’s when the workload came. I thought I was at the top of my class, but I found out that there are a lot of other kids who are also putting in the work. I know now that the hard work I was doing  helped prepare me for what’s to come in college.

I had a smooth transition to Sac High because of the similar mission and vision at PS7.  I’ve had a fun experience and have realized there is a time to play, and a time to really work, and I have found that balance. Sac High really instilled in me the pillar of More Time. It has changed who I am today, and how I go along with my daily life.

AH: What are you most excited about during your Senior Year, and what are you most looking forward to after graduation?

FM: I’m the ASB (Associated Student Body) Vice President in Student Senate, which is exciting.  I started participating in Student Senate when I was a freshman, which has dictated my entire high school experience because you make it your own experience. I’ve been in AP classes and honors just to challenge myself more.  I’m most excited about going to college.  This is everything I’ve been working for, and I can’t wait to receive my college acceptance letters in March.  I’m really crossing my fingers that I will be accepted to UCLA where I want to major in biology which I love, and I plan to become a radiologist. I can’t wait to be on my own, travel, meet new people and see new things. 

AH:  Tell us about your internship.

FM: I was informed that there was a position at Underground Books during my sophomore year.  This was my first job and I felt it was a good way to connect with the community.  I had lived in Elk Grove and then Meadowview, and I thought it would be good to learn more about Oak Park, the community where I actually went to school.  I’ve met a lot of people from Oak Park including people from the UC Davis Med Center and McGeorge School of Law.  I love the cultural stimulation, and because the bookstore is centered around that, I’ve learned a lot.

Working with Mother Rose is so fun because she is lively and brings the bookstore to life.  It’s been the perfect experience for my first job. 

AH: What types of events happen at Underground Books?

FM: We have book signings including a lot of local authors who are brilliant.  They share their personal stories, or information about a lot of different topics.  They are culturally stimulating and bring new ideas and perspectives. There are also art talks with Milton Bowens, which are phenomenal… I learn something new every time.  The bookstore is bringing Art and Culture to the community.