Valeria Vega Realivazquez
This time of year is always an ambivalent time for seniors. On the one hand, they’re excited about going to prom and walking across the stage in front of friends and family at graduation. On the other hand, it’s a time to say farewell to childhood and move forward on their own. Senior Valeria Vega Realivazquez, this week’s Senior in the Spotlight, is well aware of this phenomenon.
“I’m excited for college because I will develop new skills and make lifelong connections,” she said. “What scares me is that some of my closest friends are going out of state for college and we will no longer be as close as we are now.”
This won’t be the first time Valeria has had to pick up and start over. She attended kindergarten and first grade at Fremont Elementary School and then moved to Mexico. She moved back 5 years later and attended Carson Middle School.
“I’ve worked hard to overcome challenges including learning English as my second language,” she said. “This experience taught me to persevere and not give up no matter how big the obstacle.”
Valeria has a 4.3 GPA and will graduate Magna Cum Laude with highest honors. She excels in mathematics and credits some of her success to Sasha Sonderby, math teacher extraordinaire at Carson High.
“She has been an incredible teacher,” Valeria said. “Her patience and encouragement helped me overcome math problems. She taught me that it’s ok to make mistakes. I’m grateful for her support.”
Valeria has also excelled in extracurricular activities. She participates in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club, and in 2022 she took third place in a job interview competition. In 2023, she was a state champion for her work on a business financial plan. She also participates in the Latino Club, a group that celebrates the Latino culture at CHS and encourages higher education.
“Some of my happiest memories in high school are participating in the Latino Club with my friends because we are able to share our culture with the school.”
Valeria will be attending UNR next year and plans to major in Civil Engineering. “I want to have a positive impact on my community,” she said. “I aspire to be a role model and inspire others to take action.”