Intelligent, determined, and caring are only a fraction of the words you could use to describe Desire Vasquez. Desire is a freshman student here at Mt. SAC Early College Academy (MECA). She chose MECA for her high school to improve her chances of succeeding in achieving her dreams. “I want to get into a good school, and I want to become a doctor,” she explains. She believes that she can achieve this by attending MECA. Our school is a reflection of her mindset; academics clearly mean a lot to her. Caring for others is just as important to her as school is. Just ask her friend Kathleen who has grown a strong bond with Desire due to their alike mindsets. Desire also admires Kathleen’s artistic talents. Although friends and school are held close to Desire’s heart, they are not the only thing. Arts and crafts are just another passion of Desire’s, so much that she joined Craft Club. “My grandma used to knit,” she says, “and I think it’s really fun.” Arts and crafts are a way to escape for Desire. It provides her with something to focus on rather than schoolwork. She does this because she is aware of the importance of her mental health. Getting to know Desire Vasquez was an honor and a pleasure of mine. I would encourage you to find her at the tables during lunch and get to know her as well. She is an amazing person to know.      

Jocelyn Lee is a junior at Mt. SAC Early College Academy. This is her second year as a staff member of The Academy Chronicle. Being previously part of yearbook, this is her first year in journalism. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and camping. She values working hard and family and wishes to become a speech therapist. Her goals include starting a club at MECA, attending a UC, and opening a clinic.