TJ sophomore excels in school despite the many challenges she has faced in life.
Photo by Rebecca Holt
Rosmina Garcia, a 15-year-old sophomore at TJ, stays busy with softball, drama club, and volunteering her time to Denver Kids Inc. (a mentor program in DPS). Despite being so busy, she is still able to overcome the many challenges she faces in her life, and is a role model for her peers and a leader who demonstrates healthy choices.
At Denver Kids Inc., Rosmina is a mentor to children ages six through thirteen. As a mentor Rosmina helps them with homework, plays games with them, and is there to listen to their problems. “My mother works at Denver Kids, and she sometimes will ask for my help, and I’m always willing to help because it benefits the kids and makes them happy. I enjoy being around the kids. We are always having fun,” said Rosmina. “Being a part of the Denver Kids program can be a great thing if you have the right mentor for you. I have had two mentors since being in the program and there is a big difference between good mentors and not so good mentors. Some mentors are there but they want nothing to do with the child that they are responsible for, but there are others who are there because they want to be there, which is why when I turn 16 I will become a mentor and always be there for the kids and try to make a difference in their lives,” said Rosmina, who speaks to stakeholders at large events about the program and introduces the kids in the program. Rosmina was recommended by a counselor from Denver Kids to help host large events, and she gladly accepted the task. She provides daycare to young children once or twice each month so that their parents can attend Denver Kids meetings. “I do this because it helps me get community service hours, and also to help my mom,” said Rosmina.
Rosmina carries a 3.8 GPA at TJ and takes accelerated classes (AP Geography and Intro to Lit X), and plans to take American Literature X in her junior year. Rosmina has played softball since her freshman year at TJ, and this past season played on the junior varsity softball team. Rosmina participates in Drama club at TJ, and has done so since her freshman year. “It has helped me become more open and not as shy. It is a lot of fun and I’ve become really good at it,” said Rosmina, who intends to take Drama in her junior and senior years, as well.
Rosmina’s favorite teacher at TJ is Michael Palmieri. “He teaches more than just about how to be in character. He teaches you about life and helps you with whatever problems you have. He has taught me to help others at all times and that it doesn’t matter what others think of you,” said Rosmina.
Michael Palmieri is the school’s drama teacher and has had Rosmina as a student for the past two years. “Rosmina was outstanding last year, and she’s even better this year. She’s always prepared and she’ll take on any challenge presented to her. She has a terrific attitude and one thing that makes her stand out is that she is willing to try anything,” said Palmieri. Rosmina has not performed on TJ’s stage, but is looking forward to performing on the stage in the future.
Outside of school Rosmina likes to hang out with her friends, read books, and watch TV shows like Law and Order, ABC Family, and Gossip Girl. One of Rosmina’s favorite books is White Lines. “This book reminds me of my mom’s life when she was growing up,” she said.
Rosmina has overcome many personal challenges throughout her life. While Rosmina has moved around a lot in her life, she said she thinks of the positive things more than the negative, and always thinks about all the good that the future holds for her. “My grandma is my greatest inspiration in my life. She has raised a lot of my family, and has nine kids herself. She always provides for me and she always helps anybody in need,” said Rosmina.
After high school, Rosmina plans on attending college, although she is not sure which one she will select. “I want to minor in theater, but I am not sure of what I want to major in,” said Rosmina, who said she wants to become an actress and start a family of her own after finishing college. “My goal is to provide a better life for my children than what I had growing up,” said Rosmina.
