December’s Alumni of the Month: Maggie Gonzalez!

FMHS has gladly chosen Maggie Gonzales for December’s alumni of the month! She went to FMHS all four years of high school and was an outgoing, memorable student and friend. We asked her some questions about her post-high school days, and this is what she said.

Falcon Beat (FB): What did you pursue after high school? What are you currently doing with your life?

Maggie Gonzalez (MG): After graduating in 2015, I went to pursue higher education at Taft College, there I am a full-time student working on an Associate of Arts degree for transfer. Currently, I am ending my third semester while working part-time at the local restaurant called the Falcon's Nest. I have also finished applying to other four-year colleges so that I can get my bachelor's degree in social work or sociology.

FB: What is your favorite high school memory?

MG: My favorite high school memory would probably be sports or just being with my friends all throughout high school. I would also make an honorable mention to my senior year trip to Catalina with the Academy.

FB: What sports did you play, and which one was your favorite?

MG: I played all four years of volleyball and all four years of softball. Although the action and titles we were able to achieve in volleyball were impressive, softball was my favorite sport. I played t-ball when I was younger and was able to be more competitive in 7th grade and up. I've always been in a family where baseball has a big role, so I am a little biased.

FB: What was your favorite sports memory?

MG: My favorite sport memory was senior year in volleyball. One of the first playoff games we had was against Kern Valley. As a team we weren't sure how powerful we were going to be, we just lost some strong seniors the year before and we knew we were looked as the big dogs because of our record, but we were still insecure. However, Mickaela Brown, one of our team captains, had a great prep talk. She talked about our team and how we were going to be victorious against KV. We knew we had the advantage of having a great record in years before that made us look tougher and more competitive and we were going to use it. In the end we did win and we knew it was going to be a great season for volleyball. Of course later, 2015 was the year we won the CIF championships for Central Section and I always look back at that first game and to me that was why we were able to go so far.

FB: What college are you going to, if any, and how is that going?

MG: I am going to Taft College. I am having a great time at TC. I have had some great professors who have helped me through the transition of high school to college. TC has great resources on its campus for students who need a computers to use and a great amount of tutors for math or English.

FB: Who was your favorite teacher and what impact did they have on your life?

MG: Mrs. Heasley was my favorite teacher. I first had her in sophomore year and knew she was going to be tough, but I really respected her. My senior year was when I had the best relationship with her. I think being a part of yearbook as an editor gave me the opportunity to earn her respect as well. I appreciated her bluntness and honesty. She wasn't one to shy away and really took charge when the situation needed her. I'm so glad I was able to have her my teacher throughout high school. Teachers like her let you know that respect is powerful, even if you’re just a high school student.

FB: Do you still stay in contact with your friends from high school?

MG: Even though our schedules are very busy and a little too much to handle, I do keep in touch with my close friends. They are the ones who understand what coming from Frazier Park really means. They are the ones that let me relive high school memories, and they know me the best, next to my family. I am really grateful they still listen to my problems and can help me find my solution. Facetime and Skype really help as well.

FB: What are some pros and cons of not being in high school anymore?

MG: Some of the pros: being out of high school gave me the realization of what I can do with my future. I can direct my actions and know how they will affect me. However, this doesn't mean I don't make mistakes. But my mistakes help me learn as well. I really appreciate the time I had at FMHS and can see how every student has a different experience. It's what you make it and you have control over your attitude. Now the cons. I do miss the sports. That’s probably the worst thing about not being in high school. Sports not only helped me to be physically healthy but also taught me some lessons as a team player and a leader. I loved being involved and high school allowed me to make a small impact at FMHS. I hope everyone takes advantage of what our school has to offer.

FB: What advice do you have for 2017’s graduating seniors?

MG: My advice would be not to limit yourself. I know we have this sense of security in high school but you should not be afraid of taking risks. Whether it be with a new major or being involved in internships. But, I would also encourage you to not be reckless. We go to school to educate ourselves, do not risk your opportunities. Please be smart about your options and it doesn't hurt to ask for advice. And DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.

FB: And lastly, what did you learn at FMHS that helped you in life?

MG: FMHS has taught me a lot of lessons, not only educational ones, but also life skills. High school has given me the stepping stones to be a leader and a team player, and to be a student and a teacher. I'm grateful for the memories and to be a Falcon.

Thank you Maggie, we are grateful for the legacy you left at FMHS- being involved with so many activities and being an inspiration to us all. Good luck with all of your future adventures. We hope to hear from you soon!

#alumniofthemonth