A Conversation with a Phenomenal Member of the Telpochcalli Elementary School Class of 2024

Melisa could not have asked for a better experience at Telpochcalli Elementary School. She has been at the school since first grade and feels like it brought out the best in her in so many different ways. She believes this stems back to the school’s identity as being extremely welcoming and accepting of everyone. 

One of her teachers recently described her as a “force of nature,” and she’s also known for being hard-working and kind. She’s sure to excel in her next steps at Curie High School. Get to know her more below.

What are your interests both inside and outside of the classroom? 

I generally like learning a lot, especially in math, because my teacher incorporates social justice into what we are learning, which makes it really cool. This class has even impacted how I see the world outside of school and has helped me become more of an activist for social rights. In addition to activism, I also like sports outside of school, and my two favorites are volleyball and football. 

You’ve been at Telpochcalli since first grade. How are you the same from then to now, and how are you different? 

I think I’m the same when it comes to academics. Even when I was younger, getting good grades was very important to me. However, I feel like now I have a lot more confidence in myself. I’m a lot more open speaking English, which wasn’t always the case because Spanish is my first language. I’m known now as a lot more than just being “the quiet girl.” 

What are a few of your favorite memories of elementary school? 

The first one that comes to mind happened in third grade. Our teacher bought us crayfish that we had to feed and take care of as a group. Ours was missing a leg. We named it Blueberry Muffin Panda John Cena. I wanted to name it Panda or Muffin, and then another girl wanted to name it Blueberry Muffin. And John Cena was also really popular at the time, so all of the boys wanted to name it after him. In the end, we mixed all of the names together. 

We also had a sleepover in the school during my third-grade year. This is one of my most fun memories. You could watch movies, play in the gym, and hang out with your friends. Everyone was talking about it for the rest of the year, and we still talk about it to this day. 

What are you looking forward to the most about high school? 

I am going to be doing the IB program at Curie, so I’m for sure looking forward to that. I’m a little scared because it’s such a big change being in the same school for eight years and then going to a different school with new people. I expect lots of homework, so that will be an adjustment, but I think I’m ready for it. 

Where do you see yourself in 20 years? 

I am considering becoming either a human rights lawyer or an immigration lawyer. I feel very angry when I see injustice, and I feel like these careers will allow me to help people who are dealing with difficult circumstances. 

What advice would you give to future eighth-graders? 

First, make sure to have fun. At the same time, try to learn as much as you can and try to make positive changes at your school. This will help school seem like a true learning community. And don’t give your teachers a hard time!