Karol Barajas can often be found at the quad socializing with friends and making people laugh. Her delightful attitude brings smiles to the faces of her friends and teachers which she’s created a strong bond with. Karol can also be seen involved in our school community as she expresses her culture in La Raza and Folklorico.
Karol is an avid contributor to our bearcat community. She’s been involved in La Raza since junior year and joined Folklorico during her senior year.
Regarding her involvement in La Raza and Folklorico, Karol shares, “I’ve been involved in La Raza since junior year and I feel that it has definitely made me feel more included in our school community. It is a space where I can express my culture and relate to those that are part of it as well. My senior year I decided to join Folklorico, and it has definitely been one of my favorite highlights of high school. Dancing and performing is a unique way of expressing to our school community our pride and diversity”
Karol also strives to be a social and considerate person to all. During her time at San Mateo High School she put in her best effort to make new friends and form strong bonds with those around her, both students and teachers. Ms. G, Karol’s junior year english teacher, stated, “She brings in a welcoming, kind attitude to whatever classroom and community she is a part of”
Ms. G reminisces about her time having Karol as a student. “I cherished my time with Karol during our second period class and luckily also had her in my tutorial class. We would check in every morning and she would keep me posted on how she was feeling about her other classes… our chats were something I looked forward to and something I’ll always remember and miss!”. Ms. G also recalls, “On the last day of our class Karol gave me an evil eye bracelet and I wear it to work every day. Last year was my first year teaching in person and second period was my first class of the day. Since Karol was a part of that first group, whenever I look at that bracelet it reminds me of her and her friends from that class and how lucky I was to be able to be her teacher. I’ll miss her a lot!”
Ms. G also includes that Karol’s confidence has grown since she first met her and she’s proud to see Karol take part in things that make her happy. “She centers herself and has grown to honor who she is during her time here which I really admire”. Ms. G will remember Karol’s positivity and her desire to do best on whatever she’s working on.
Tania Leon, a sophomore here at SMHS, will remember Karol’s light-hearted spirit and, “the way she can make any bad situations into good ones… she can lighten up the room and always make people laugh”. Tania also describes Karol’s hardworking spirit and dedication to her schoolwork. “She brings joy, always making jokes and making you laugh. she is a dependable friend who opens the doors to her heart and home, and she always shares her food”
As the senior year starts to come to a close Karol will remember most about SMHS is the diversity and the school’s pride. She expressed, “San Mateo high school is a really great community to be involved in and it always makes sure to include everyone”. Looking back at her growth during high school Karol stated, “I am most proud of the changes I have made in myself. I would say that I have become more independent as well as more mature”.
After high school and for the future Karol strives to get into a four year college to continue her studies and expand her knowledge. Not only does she want to continue her dedication to school but Karol wants to travel as well and pick up hobbies during summer. No matter where the future takes her Karol will bring smiles and her positive attitude that can cheer anyone up.