This freshman’s future is looking bright at TJ.
Photo by Rebecca Holt
Sarahi Flores is a freshman at TJ who achieves good grades, remains in good standing with her teachers, is president of her youth group, and still manages to get her homework done. This Spartan always strives to do her best, and is proud of who she is and what she does.
As a freshman, Flores had to deal the transition from middle school to high school. “High school is different from middle school. The work is harder and there’s more homework. But what I do like is the freedom and how there’s less restrictions as to what students can and cannot do,” said Flores, who recalled her first day of high school. “I was extremely nervous because I didn’t know what to expect as a freshman in a new environment. What got me through that day was seeing my friends at the same school as me. I didn’t expect to see any of them at TJ, and it was a little shocking to me,” said Flores.
Like many freshmen, Flores isn’t sure of what college she wants to go to, but she is certain that she wants to major in either cosmetology or psychiatry. “I want to major in cosmetology because I am good with hair and make up, and it’s something that I love. I would like to do psychiatry because I like to help the needy. Whenever I help somebody who is in need, to see that person happy just brings a joy to my heart,” said Flores.
At TJ, Flores’ favorite class is Geography with Jon Poole. “I like the class because Mr. Poole makes it fun and easy. He is very knowledgeable with the subject, so he knows how to explain things well to us. He is funny and nice by letting us work together with friends, which makes the class easy,” said Flores, who also said that Poole is her favorite teacher at TJ.
Coming from Poole, Flores is a good student with a lot of potential. “She is a bright girl. She is funny and mostly quiet, but is still sociable. When she puts her mind to it, she can do anything she wants to. What makes her a good student is her patience, independence, and her ability to pick up on things quicker than most students. I believe that she will be successful at whatever she decides to do with her life, but it’s all up to her,” said Poole.
Flores has never participated in any sport, but plans to play on the girls’ soccer team next year. “I’m going to play soccer next year, and I’m nervous because it’s my first time and I don’t know what to expect,” said Flores, who said she was inspired to play soccer by watching the World Cup.
Outside of school, Flores is the president of her youth group at her church, Seventh Day Adventist of Aurora. She was elected president because she’s reliable, hard working, and is committed to what she does. As president, Flores’ job is to lead the group every Saturday morning, keep the group members on track by helping coordinate and plan activities, such as bible readings, singing in the church choir, fundraising, and camping trips. “I am proud of myself for being the president because it shows that people trust me, and that they are willing to rely on me for important tasks,” said Flores, who also helps out at home by baby sitting her younger siblings, and helping to keep her house clean by vacuuming, washing dishes, and dusting.
Flores says her biggest inspirations in her life are her parents. “My parents are always telling me to do my best, and I live by that and it has been great for me. I’m doing well in school and staying out of trouble through that saying. My parents are always supporting me whether it’s my homework or a personal issue that I’m dealing with. My parents aren’t people who are rich, but they keep our family together, and I respect them for that,” said Flores.
With Flores being a freshman, there are a lot of different things she’ll be looking forward to as she continues her high school career. But the thing Flores is looking forward to the most is graduation. “I just can’t wait to get out of high school and start my life. Academics and finishing school is what my parents have instilled into my head, so it is very important to me that I do,” said Flores.
