Senior Johnathan Vasquez

Q: What does being recognized in the National Hispanic Recognition Program mean to you?

A: “I think it shows I worked hard to get it. It was a good indicator of how much effort I was putting in toward the test, and not only that, but it kind of gives me pride knowing the scholarship I got recognized me as a Hispanic. Standing out and representing is one of the best parts about it.”  

Q: How did you find out? How did you feel? 

A: “I knew about the scholarship beforehand so I made it a goal to try to get it. That’s what pushed me to try a little bit harder. I found out because I got an email saying I was part of the recognition program for the Hispanic scholarship, then it gave me steps on finishing the application. I felt good, it was something I wanted to accomplish and I ended up doing it.” 

Q: What did you do to help improve your test scores leading up to it? What does it take to get the award? 

A: “One of the things that helped me the most was being in the PSAT class because we did practice every day and it was during school so that was really helpful. I knew math was my strong suit so I made sure to practice and master that. Those are mainly the ways I improved my scores and my English class helped. [It takes] hard work and dedication, be willing to try.” 

Q: What are your college and career plans?

A: “To be honest, I’m not really sure I know I want to do for college. I don’t know what I want to do; I’m kind of hoping for the best. I know I want to go to school, but I’m not sure which one. I’m open to any options right now. I probably want to do something that has to do with business or engineering because that kind of has something to do with math and I like doing that, it’s fun for me.” 

Q: What activities are you involved in at school? Anything outside of school?

A: “I’m an interact officer, [the] treasurer. I’m also in Student Council and National Honor Society. I just try to go out of my way and help with other things if I’m in the club or not. Out of school, it’s the same thing. I have a job and I get involved with random things I know will help people out.”

Q: How will this award affect your life/future?

A: “It’s a good example of how hard work can help you achieve your goals and just reminds me anything is really possible if you set your mind to it.” 

Q: What has been your biggest obstacle academically? Any specific class? How did you overcome it?

A: “I think a specific obstacle is my English because I’m bilingual. I learned Spanish as my first language so English has always been more difficult for me to learn than math or science or any other subject. That’s one of my main struggles. Another struggle I had was time management so like everyone knows me for taking long when taking tests and I’m always like the last one to finish. I had to know how to time myself to finish the test and improve my score like that.” 

Q: Who in your life has helped you reach this point? How did they help you?

A: “Honestly, everyone. Everyone is a role model to me, everyone has something good to offer and I always learn from the people around me, specifically my parents. They have shown me how to work hard and make sure to always try your best no matter what’s in front of you.” 

Q: What is your advice to others hoping to be National Merit Scholars?
A: “Just stay consistent because [it] might be hard sometimes because I know they might have other things going on in their life, but if it’s something you want to do, practice doing it, make sure you want it.” 

Q: What class/outside of school tutoring prepared you the most?

A: “I didn’t have an outside tutoring class. I kind of just self studied, but other than that, the school PSAT/SAT class was really helpful for me.”

Q: Do you have any good study tips for the standardized tests?

A: “Time management is the main part. Make sure you finish the whole test. These tests are all about knowing what it’s asking. There might be multiple questions that make sense to you. Sometimes it’s all about choosing the right answer and going with your gut because your first choice is most likely going to be correct.”