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Making Time for Success
Arely Larraga-Guerrero, graduating senior at Dudley High, describes her school of more than 1,500 students as a small community.
“It’s the environment of the school,” she explained. “I personally feel so close to the people at school. I’ve known a lot of them since elementary and middle school. That along with extracurricular activities, we do a lot together which contributes to the community feel.”
Over the past four years, she has kept herself busy with those extracurriculars including Art Club, National Honors Society, The Oasis Garden Club and student government, as well as various service opportunities.
On top of all of her activities, Larraga-Guerrero challenged herself academically, taking Advanced Placement classes, as well as taking advantage of dual enrollment at GTCC through the Career and College program, where she is earning college credits before graduating from high school.
“The school encourages us to take those classes, because they will prepare us for college,” said Larraga-Guerrero.
She excelled in school, and will graduate as valedictorian in June. She credits time management for much of her success. “I’m not the smartest person at my school, but time management helps me get through. You can put aside time to study, review everything, homework, and that can save you from so much stress.”
“She’s just been on top of stuff,” said college adviser DeSiyre Spurgeon. “She knows she wants to make a difference in her life and her family’s life, and she is making sure that comes to pass.”
Larraga-Guerrero had additional challenges on her road to success. She’s a first-generation Mexican American, and found herself being the first in her family to have to navigate the higher-education system.
“I was overwhelmed by all the new terms like ‘FAFSA’ and what words like ‘early decision’ meant,” she said. “Thankfully, I was never alone. I had several people like Ms. Spurgeon that helped me figure out what my next steps always were. The process was still hard and confusing at times, but having several people there to support me really helped a lot.”
Now that she’s gone through the process, she advises future seniors to ask for help and start early when applying for colleges and scholarships.
“Don’t wait to create a resume and don’t wait to ask teachers for recommendations. I’ve had several friends talk to me about being stressed out because they were so busy applying to scholarships, colleges and other financial aid while doing their classwork. It’s never a bad idea to get a head start.”
Now, Larraga-Guerrero says she feels confident as she prepares to attend UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall where she will study to become a dental hygienist.
She says that while she will miss the people at Dudley and the community that has helped her be successful, she’s also excited for the next step.
“I’m excited to meet new people, with different backgrounds, and make new friends.”