January's Alumni of the Month: Adriana Calderon!

To kick off the new year we would like to welcome our first alumni of 2017, Adriana Calderon! She went to FMHS all four years and is now 20 years old and currently attends Glendale Community College. She is receiving an associates degree in psychology in June, and will continue to get a masters degree so that she may become a licensed Nurse Practitioner. Her sister, Maria, is the inspiration to her success. She wishes to someday work at a Children's Hospital, give families who are going through a rough time a chance to watch their children grow, and give families the same hope, compassion, and support that was given to her family. We asked her some questions about her high school days and plans for the future, here's what she had to say.

FB (Falcon Beat): What year did you graduate FMHS?

AD (Adriana Calderon): I graduated from Frazier Mountain High School in June of 2014.

FB: What did you pursue after high school?

AD: I am currently attending college, and my goal is to one day become a nurse practitioner.

FB: How is college different than high school, and what are the pros and cons of college?

AD: College differs from high school in the sense that you now have the freedom to make your own choices. However, that also means a lot more responsibilities are bestowed upon you. The best part of college is that you get a fresh start. You have the chance to become the person you want to be. You also have the opportunity to choose the classes you want, which makes the classes more interesting. I would say there are no cons to college everything is a new experience and a new environment.

FB: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

AD: Wow that's a difficult question. If God allows it, I hope to be finished with school and working in what I love to do.

FB: What were your favorite activities in high school?

AD: My favorite activity was being in the FFA, and attending games for all the sports.

FB: How did being a part of FFA impact your high school days?

AD: Being in the FFA impacted my high school years by helping me create amazing memories that I will cherish throughout my life. I didn't play sports in high school however I did have a lot of friends who did so I always felt a little left out of the conversation. When I joined the FFA it felt like I had found the place where I truly belonged. My teammates became like a second family. It also helped prepare me for my future, because it taught me to get out of my comfort zone and perform difficult tasks, like public speaking.

FB: Who was your favorite teacher, and how did they inspire you?

AD: Is this a trick question? I will say that no teacher was able to inspire me more than another. All the teachers I had inspired me to become a better person. Mrs. Crane taught me the virtue of patience. Mrs. Hughes taught me to be kind to everyone. Mr. Atkinson taught me to never give up on my dreams. Mr. Domke taught me to push myself to be the best person I could be. Mrs. Heasley taught me the virtue of expressing myself through writing. Mrs. Brown taught me to always see the best in people. And Mrs. Haflich showed me how to love. Not one, but all these teachers played a part in teaching me so much about life.

FB: How did going to a small school positively impact your future?

AD: Going to a small school was like having a bigger more dysfunctional family. The teachers and staff all took a personal interest in their students, and always helped when there was a problem. No matter what it was they were always there to listen and provide support.

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

AD: My advice to the graduating seniors is to not be afraid and take risks that will positively influence your life. This is the time to figure out the type of person you want to be in this world. The world is filled with so many opportunities even if you decide to not continue your education, you have the option to be something great. I would also say that it’s important to remember your future is not set in stone, so take life one day at a time, because you never know what curve balls will get thrown your way.

FB: And lastly, what is one thing from FMHS that will stick with you forever?

AD: One thing that will stick with me forever is all the relationships I was able to make with students and faculty. They helped shape me into the person I am today, and for that I am entirely grateful.

Thank you so much Adriana for your time. We wish you the best in all your future ventures!

#alumniofthemonth