I am 14 years old, and I am in the 8th grade at Clifton Middle School. I have lived in Monrovia my whole life and my family has lived here for around 30 years. I love to sing, dance and perform in musical theater through programs with Keely Milliken and Alison Keslake in Monrovia. I am a Girl Scout, and I’m just finishing my Silver Project about living with wildlife in Monrovia. My Girl Scout troop formed at my preschool, and I have been with many of the same girls since then! We recently traveled to Japan this past summer. I love to sing with a band around town. We have played at the Pourhouse, Monrovia High School, and at local parties. My band formed when I was in the 5th grade and includes me, my dad, and my former 5th grade teacher at Mayflower Elementary School, Andy Hernandez. We have a lot of fun together! I also sing solo at musical festivals and events. I have been a Renaissance student leader since 5th grade, and I am currently the ASB Secretary at Clifton. I was also a MAP student leader for two years. I also play cello in the Clifton orchestra. I love my family, friends and this community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Where were you born and did you grow up here? Share a little about your childhood and your family.
I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Monrovia. My early childhood was very fun. My family has traveled and spent good times together. I come from a large musical family from the mid-west. My father plays rock and roll bass, my grandfather and great uncle played in big bands in the 1940s, and my uncle is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, who played in Van Halen, Chickenfoot, and is on tour with Sammy Hagar this summer. I have danced since I was 3 years old. My mom is a marriage and family therapist and builds programs for foster youth. I sometimes volunteer at her job. I have family all over the country but mostly in LA area and San Diego.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am not totally sure what I want to do for a career. Something performance-based, but I also want to open and run a business.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mikomi Sushi, and Thai Thyme are my favorites. Great food and nice staff!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I lived in Monrovia for my whole childhood. My favorite experience from living in Monrovia is playing at Library Park and being in the holiday parades.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
My parents have always inspired me to do the right thing and be my best! I not only have supportive parents, but my teachers have also inspired me in many ways. Each one of my teachers at Monrovia schools and in the arts programs outside of school have helped me in different ways. These teachers are also members of the Monrovia community and know my family, so everyone works together.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Probably London! I love the royal family and I really just want to get to know the culture in England.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
When I was younger, I was obsessed with Disney Descendants. I love all things Disney! My favorite TV show is “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” I also like watching Broadway musicals.
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
The biggest advice I would give to people is probably enjoy life while you can. Hard work pays off, Be a good person. A life lesson quote I like to think of is “Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.” – Denis Waitley
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Going to London!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
Sabrina Carpenter. All the way!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I spent a lot of time at Kattywompus toy store when I was a child. The owner was so kind to me and my family and always took time to explain the books and toys. We bought a monopoly type game there that was based on all things Monrovia.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Christine Baranski. She is a very talented stage and screen actress whom I loved in Mamma Mia, the movie. She is super versatile and has spunk.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
I love that Monrovia offers a lot to the people who live and visit here. There is a good sense of community and a small town vibe that I like and that you rarely see, especially in the LA area. I feel lucky to live here.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
There are just too many to list!
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to plan social events and design spaces. I like to plan pretty spaces and have a lot of ideas I hope to put into action. As a small child, I would drive through Monrovia with my parents and look at houses and then redesign them in my mind.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Maui or Costa Rica! The beaches are peaceful and beautiful.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I really enjoyed singing the National Anthem at the State of the City event and at a Monrovia Days event last year. Earning my Girl Scout Bronze award was another highlight. I worked with my two friends, Giada and Alexis, to build a buddy bench at Mayflower Elementary School.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Disneyland. I can’t emphasize this enough! Disneyland is my happy place.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents, teachers and friends. My parents have always taught me the importance of empathy and kindness. I have two best friends who are always positive and supportive. They have good hearts and are humble. I try to maintain those qualities, too. I feel lucky to have the friends that I have, but it hasn’t always been that easy. I am grateful.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
People are often sad, lonely and worried in the world. People you would never know about. I wish more people cared about this cause, or maybe they care but don’t feel like they can do much. Kids my age suffer but might be afraid to ask for help because they will be judged by friends, or their parents will be blamed for something. It’s important to make efforts here, no matter how small.
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Passion, curiosity, and creativity.
