Angel served as a Lion’s Pride Mentoring Big for two years in a row, and became the student representative for the 2024-25 school year. Angel has never wavered in his commitment to excellence and will be attending the University of California, Berkeley, to major in Molecular and Cell Biology.
Describe your experience with Lion's Pride in a few sentences.
The time you’d most likely find me is in dialogue with a student, helping with their course assignments. I truly want to pursue mentoring because I enjoy listening to others and supporting them. It feels like time well spent because you’re empowering them to make a change. The community that has shaped me in a major way is Lion’s Pride Mentoring, and it’s helped me become someone who can guide others in achieving their goals. I chose Lion’s Pride because I want to continue this work in college, staying true to the core values of inclusion, diversity, and excellence.
Lion’s Pride Mentoring has given me the chance to work with students who may feel underrepresented or isolated, students who might feel they have no way out. But through mentoring, I’ve learned that empowerment can be a revolutionary act. I’ve contributed by helping two students at Golder College Prep: Leo and Damien. For example, Damien is a versatile student who can find different ways to solve problems, but he doesn’t always show enthusiasm in class. Even as a senior, I make it a point to regularly check in with Damien. I emphasize his grades in classes like Chemistry and Honors World History to help him stay focused.
Through my experience with Damien, I’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to helping someone feel better about themselves. What matters is making them realize their potential and supporting them along the way. At Golder College Prep, we don’t judge students for their struggles; we embrace them and lift them up. As Nelson Mandela said, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” This quote resonates with me because it represents the spirit of resilience and support in the Lion’s Pride Mentoring community. At Lion’s Pride, we don’t just support the students who already stand out; we also focus on those who may not be recognized elsewhere, helping them rise and feel proud of their achievements.
How has Lion's Pride impacted your educational and professional experience in high school and beyond?
My heritage and culture have always played a central role in shaping who I am. Growing up in a Hispanic community, I learned that identity comes not only from where you're from but from the values you uphold—empathy, resilience, and the drive to uplift others. These values became even more meaningful through my experience with Lion’s Pride.
When I started working at 16, I faced pressure to leave school and focus on earning money. But Lion’s Pride reminded me of the bigger picture. It reinforced the importance of education and gave me access to mentors and peers who understood the challenges of being a first-generation Hispanic student. Their support helped me stay focused and reminded me that my background is a strength, not a setback.
My Guatemalan roots taught me to take pride in where I come from, and Lion’s Pride showed me how to use that pride to lead and serve. Whether it was helping classmates overcome language barriers or representing my school through leadership roles, Lion’s Pride gave me the confidence and tools to connect, communicate, and grow.
Despite limited resources, I challenged myself in AP classes, joined clubs, and volunteered—all while staying grounded in my culture’s values. Lion’s Pride was a key part of that journey. It didn’t just support me academically; it helped me see that I belong in college and beyond.
