Salinas Youth of the Year Finalist Gustavo P.

  • December 1, 2017
1024 683 Carrie V.

My name is Gustavo. I am a junior at North Salinas High school. I am involved on campus in programs like the Health Academy and, on top of my extracurricular activities, I have maintained a minimum 2.5 GPA. 

I would consider myself to be a person of good qualities. I always strive to become a better individual and, more importantly, a positive component to society. I come from a family of immigrants and, as a result, I did not have much of an advantage in terms of connections and information regarding the appropriate way of going about life in the right direction. That is where the Boys & Girls Club played a key part in my life. 

I have been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for nine years, and have participated in programs like Keystone, Diplomas 2 Degrees, and First Tee of Monterey County. In these programs, I have learned a great deal about college preparation and have received information that has better prepared me for my future both professionally and personally. I am currently using my learned skills at the Boys & Girls Club as Secretary in the high school leadership group, Keystone. While being a part of Keystone, so far this year, I have helped raise over a thousand dollars. I have also been awarded the apprenticeship with the First Tee program for my dedication to leadership and respect. I take pride in leading by example and helping others. From the outside looking in, many people would probably judge me as a son of immigrants who could never amount to being a productive member of society. I will continue to prove those individuals wrong and break through whatever barriers necessary to be the successful, responsible, and caring man that I aim to be.