Pacing around the classroom, Janayri Rivas Santos talks with her friends about what to do for the next club meeting. Janayri, along with a few others, is the leader of the ELD Club here at SMHS.
Janayri hit the ground running after immigrating from Honduras in 2021. She learned English, participated in wrestling and soccer, and got a job at a local restaurant in Burlingame, the Crepevine. She managed to do all of this while keeping up in school, especially in her favorite subject: History.
Janyari’s passion, as she puts it, is “To help people and talk with the people.” She told me that when she was much younger she “wanted to be a doctor,” but later changed that to nurse. Her wish to help people, even from a young age, shows up in the ELD club she helped start last year with Ms. Kalinski. “She has been an important part of building this community and planning events to connect our ELD students to San Mateo High School,” says Ms. Kalinski.
A great example of Janyari’s determination can be seen in her adaptability when coming to America. When she first arrived, she could not speak much English, but now she can speak near perfectly.
“Janayri helped plan a Valentine’s Day event for our ELD club this year. She spent countless hours making personalized Valentine gifts for each ELD student. It’s this kindness, creativity and dedication that I will remember most about Janayri.” said Ms.Kalinski. Shania Vasquez, a friend of hers, comments, “Janayri could always make you laugh. She would be the only person to understand me.”
Now she’s on to continue her hard work and passion for helping people at College of San Mateo. There, she will do the 2 year program, and transfer to a 4 year college. She ultimately wants to become a nurse and continue her mission to help people wherever she goes.