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Walking the halls of San Mateo is usually a chaotic activity. Full of fast and slow walkers, people on the wrong side of the hall, and hundreds of voices echoing along the walls. But within this sea of people and distractions walks Kimberly Villarfuete: smiling and waving at close friends and distant acquaintances alike.
In her time at San Mateo, Kimberly has been known for being a reassuring face, always willing to get to know any of her peers. The “people that I know I’m always saying hi to, but even if people I don’t know wave at me or say hi to me, I’ll always wave back,” she explains.
Her indeterminable kindness reflects not only in her social impact at San Mateo but also in her academic pursuits. “When we first returned to the classroom from our year on Zoom, we teachers were surprised by how difficult it was to liven up the classroom. Kimberly, however, was a shining light from the very first day back,” voices Ms. Cronin, Kimberly’s English teacher. “My favorite class is English,” Kimberly states. She expresses her affinity for learning and that English is a class that is certainly “not boring.” Ms. Cronin explains that “Her work was always reflective and insightful; she engaged deeply with stories and books.”
Around campus, Kimberly participated in the Teachers vs. Students soccer game with a 7-1 win. Outside of school, you can find her relaxing by playing soccer with her friends. This year, during the school’s Day of the Dead display in the Quad, Kimberly got involved with her performance as a witch.
In reflection of her time at San Mateo Kimberly states that “the teachers are so nice, the staff are so friendly and caring.” Kimberly’s presence is the emblem of not only a dedicated, but compassionate student who takes time for family and friends. Ms. Cronin credits her with bringing “energy to [her] morning class and helping [her] make a very happy transition back to the classroom… Whatever Kimberly chooses to pursue later in life, her compassionate character will take her far.”