Jazmyn Meza senior, has definitely made the most out of her four years here at Mt. SAC Early College Academy (MECA). She is very involved with extracurriculars at school impressively being a part of Paw Patrol, Helping Hands House, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Associated Student Body.
Meza offers as much help as she can in these clubs and organizations she is part of. Her friend, fellow senior Samantha Soto, notes her dedication saying, “she manages to make time aside for her loved ones while also balancing academics, volunteer hours, ASB and making sure to support her friends and family.”
Not only does she go above and beyond with clubs and organizations on campus but she has taken advantage of the dual enrollment and special admit programs offered at MECA. She initially wanted to attend MECA because, “it seemed like a great academic opportunity that my parents didn’t have so I wanted to further pursue my education,” she says.
Meza stayed true to her promise as she has taken three special admit classes outside of the already rigorous dual enrollment courses at MECA. She enjoyed these special admit classes, specifically her Calculus class, noting, “it was very difficult and it gave me a better idea of what the college life is.” She continues to say that even though she found it difficult, she thinks, “it was a good challenge and it helped me build better habits.”
These habits are something that will only help her advance throughout her college career. While many of her fellow seniors have a dream college, she doesn’t as she says, “I have tried not to give myself a dream school because I don’t want to be crushed,” if she doesn’t get accepted. Instead, she wisely has a what’s-meant-to-be-is-meant-to-be mindset and doesn’t want to put extra pressure on herself.
However, she does have a major in mind. She gravitates towards something in the biological field because she loved the Biology and Anatomy & Physiology classes she took at MECA. She finds it, “fascinating to see all the interlocking systems and how they work,” she says.
Though she is planning the next chapter after high school, she is still going to miss MECA. She mentions how she is going to miss her friends the most saying, “they are such genuine kind people and they really just make life better.”
Her friends reciprocate these feelings as fellow senior Ariatna Maldonado says Meza, “has been my support buddy for such a long time and has helped with so much. When graduation comes around, I know that I will have a hard time saying bye to her, but I also know that she will go on to achieve great things.”
Soto, echoes Meza’s willingness to help others mentioning, “her unconditional love and care for people. I’ve never met someone so genuinely sweet and attentive and on top of that an absolute go-getter. “
As for now, she is fully embracing MECA while she can and encourages other students to do the same. While she recognizes that junior year is difficult she advises upcoming seniors to prepare their Personal Inquiry Questions before the start of senior year because, “time flies and you will probably procrastinate,” and to just enjoy the final year of high school.
Leaving advice for freshmen as well, Meza urges them to explore different interests. Meza has definitely followed her own advice and will only succeed further after the skills and support she has gained from her time here at MECA.
