Adriana Carbajal
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2006 Scholarship Winner
Newcomers High School
LaGuardia Community College
"Beyond Adriana's quickness to learn, is her eager work ethic, whether it's by herself or with a group. She radiates a decidedly friendly energy that reflects her nature. I also know that she is involved in our school's math and ESL peer tutoring programs. She has taken that willingness to share her know-how with others in community-based volunteer programs. She has a keen mind balanced by a decidedly gentle spirit. I only wish there were more students like her."
—David Rogers, Spanish Native Language Arts Teacher
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Member, Leadership Through the Arts (Queens Museum of Art)
- Senator, Student Government
- Member, Youth & Government at YMCA
- Peer Tutor, Math and ESL
Excerpts from Adriana's Essay
Civic involvement became a part of my life from an early age. … When I was a child, my family used to show me how to serve by giving clothes and food to poor children in Mexico, where I was born and raised. My family explained to me that it was important to look out for others in our lives. I have been involved in [volunteer] activities ever since.
I came to the United States without knowing English. Two years later I am now helping as a translator in my school when there are parentteacher conferences. The difficulties of my first experiences have also inspired me to be a senator in the Student Government of my school where I want to help new students as much as I can. … Currently I am an ESL and math tutor for new students in our school. I try to give advice to new students and tell them how this country has a lot of opportunities.
When I help people, I realize that I can do something positive, and it makes me feel alive. It also makes me conscious of the issues and challenges we have to fight for together as a community. The growth of our community depends on the efforts of its people, and it goes from generation to generation, creating wholesome relationships and success.
