coming soon this week...
ASSOCIATION OF LATIN
AMERICAN SCHOLARS
Oxford Academy's
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ
As a graduate of Oxford Academy’s class of 2018, Samantha Rodriguez knows firsthand the high quality of education provided to students. Still, she encourages future and current students to feel comfortable seeking opportunities outside of OA.
Appreciative of her education, Samantha is mindful of the values her time at Oxford instilled in her. Those traits of empathy and understanding of others shifted her perspective on the world and ignited a flame to focus on sociology. Before choosing to enroll in Orange Coast College, she asked herself, “How well do I know my surroundings? How well do I know myself?” The Anaheim Pledge had not yet been established at this point. However, this recipient of the Board of Governors Scholarship Fund prioritized her time and learned to the best of her ability. Communications and psychology remain her favorite classes in college because, in her opinion, both show how impactful your voice is and how humanity is connected.
PERSONAL GOALS:
“I’ve learned how to be mindful of how I present myself. I’ve developed active speaking and listening skills, but I think what changes people and unites cultures is education. By knowing the facts and applying it to your own life, you are strengthening your character.”
Entering her third year in college, she remains just as passionate about photography as in high school. Now twenty years old, she has worked as a front desk clerk at Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport in Newport Beach for over a year, and it’s barely her first job! Although unfamiliar with hospitality and other customs in the service industry at first, Rodriguez truly sees the beauty in “putting yourself out there” and experiencing new challenges. When asked if she recommended that high schoolers get a job, she replied, “You should focus more on internships that suit your passions because they are the gateway to meeting people with connections. Mientras tengas comida en tu mesa, estás bien.”
IMPACT OF SELF-IDENTITY AND SURROUNDINGS:
“I think I am more comfortable because I am surrounded by such a different dynamic of people compared to when I was in high school. To anyone feeling out of place at Oxford, just know that you are no less than the person next to you. If anything, you are superior because despite being a minority, you’re persevering. At Orange Coast College, there is every ethnicity out there. The school is made up of a quarter Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Black or African American students.”
One of Samantha Rodriguez’s goals before earning a bachelor’s degree is to join campus clubs that will help improve her public speaking. More involved in school now than ever before, Samantha credits her personal growth to Eric Cuellar's counselor.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS:
The very last question Sam answered was to offer advice to Hispanic high schoolers in general--not just students enrolled at Oxford Academy or students residing in Orange County. With a great big smile and a nod of the head, she boldly mentioned, “Love yourself. And appreciate the little things, too.” Like the humble and mature adult she is, Rodriguez explained how when she was sick, she was unable to live the experiences of a normal girl, because her brain and her body weren’t on the same page. In a very open and honest manner, Samantha Rodriguez acknowledged how the result of her health at risk limited her from performing her best. Eventually, she took time off from school.
“About 66% of the world population lives in poverty, so I challenge you to take advantage of your resources and do good for our community. Nothing is guaranteed, even in this country’s common comfortable lifestyle.”
MONICA MONROY
Monica Moneryo attended Oxford Academy and was a member of the graduating class of 2018, still living in Anaheim. Mrs. Monroy enjoys paint by number because it relieves stress and is calming. She works at Walmart (promoted to the manager at Walmart within the year) and lawyer internship, so chasing the bag is her hobby. She is hardworking, optimistic, and enthusiastic. She has an outgoing personality that evolved from high school and into college. College enabled her to work with real-life people and broke her out of her shell.
OXFORD ACADEMY EXPERIENCE:
Monica believes setting the bar high was really good for college, and being held to a high standard helps in the long run. Although college is not a walk in the park, she knows Oxford prepares you. Monroy was involved in ALAS, of course, Book Club, Choir, International Club, and OASIS. “The best thing about Oxford is the people since you spend 6 years at the same school, a third of your life will have been spent there, and you soon develop a network of teachers and students,” says Monica.
COLLEGE PROCESS:
Monica Monroy attends Cal State Fullerton. She applied to many schools but only got into the safeties, but even getting accepted into college is a privilege. Monroy majors in Criminal Justice, claiming it’s what spoke out to her most; studying immigration law growing up, she educated herself in helping those part of our community. In her first year of college, she didn’t branch out. Unlike her second year, Monica joined a bible study group to build her relationship with God. Monroy claims the most challenging aspect of her college experience has been networking, trying new things, and where to fit in. Additionally, just college in general, being a first-generation college student, everything is brand new, so it was easy to find yourself lost and isolated.
Monica recommends getting involved in the community; if you get involved as soon as you get into your new college life, fitting in and feeling in place will become much more achievable. With that
being said, organize yourself and get on top of all of your priorities, says Monroy. Although college is a new and scary reality, Monica says freedom is the best thing about college. Monica appreciates the freedom and ability to choose and pick your schedule, but with that comes the responsibility of holding yourself accountable. She recommends making friends in each of your classes. For instance, if you need a day off from school, your said friend can give you the notes you missed.
CAREER:
Monica found that in college, it’s all you! Not that professors don’t care, but no one will hold you accountable besides yourself. It WILL be a big change coming from high school and having due dates,
Monroy says, “Organize yourself well and manage yourself well. Transitioning to college, having one big syllabus. Don’t be scared to make friends. It’s OKAY to ask for help.”
Having paid more attention in high school, Monica feels she did not prioritize her schoolwork to the best of her abilities. She claims that if you grind your high school years out, the college experience
will be a much smoother ride, and she feels if she had pushed herself a little harder, she would’ve been better prepared.