Este es la versión inglés de esta estoria. Puedes encontrarlo en español aquí.
Emelin Perez Lopez, a first generation student from Guatemala, graduating from San Mateo High School. You can find her at the quad during lunch with her long lasting friends. One of her closest knit friendships is with Gina Guizar. Guizar described Emelin as “brave since she is going to college as a first generation student, which faces challenges.”
Emelin comes from a family of 5. Emelin Perez moved her from Guatemala when she was just 5 years old. Her coming to the States at a young age, made her work harder for her family. She is the oldest sibling to her 2 brothers. She is always demonstrating how to be a role model to her younger brothers. “I want my brothers to follow my lead and go to college”, Emelin says.
Emelin Perez Lopez is a part of the helpful AVID program here at SMHS. She sees AVID as a very resourceful tool, especially for students in their senior year with so many questions and impressions of college. Emelin loves bonding with people who share the same ambitions as her.
Her favorite part of AVID are the trips because she sees them as a great opportunity to hangout with her peers and experience college campuses. Emelin’s favorite trip so far has been the one to Southern California. “We all took a big bus and visited schools. It was basically a big friend’s trip. The hotel and going out to eat. We go on college tour trips”, Emelin describes.
Perez has made an impact on numerous staff and students at San Mateo High School. One of those she has influenced is Mr. Francisco Gil, the senior counselor. Gil described Emelin as, “a really driven student who I know is off to pursue amazing things. When she sets her mind to something, I know she is going to make herself proud and everyone at SMHS so proud.”
Emelin is committed to Fresno State. She is planning on going into Pre-Nursing. Emelin has always had her heart set on becoming a nurse due to her mom’s experiences at the doctors and always needs a translator. “I speak Spanish and English so I want to be the voice of other immigrants who may need help understanding”, Emelin contributes.
Besides her education goals, Emelin has always wanted to travel to Europe. Her dream countries to visit are Italy and Spain.
Emelin Perez Lopez is eager to use everything she has gathered here from her experience at San Mateo High School to Fresno State University. She is excited to see the future holds for her in this new chapter of her life.