MEET Estefania!

Estefania is a 16-year-old sophomore at Shorecrest High School, in Seattle. She was nominated by her English Language Learner teacher, Anita Sena-Johnson, and her Summer Search mentor is Helen Kwon.

Why did you apply for Summer Search?
When I first heard about Summer Search, I thought it was a great opportunity – like a once in a lifetime opportunity. It sounded really good – like not true, you know? When I got my acceptance packet I was speechless. My interview was scary, because you’re talking to four complete strangers, but it was completely worth it. I think Summer Search is going to help me for the future, to help me be ready and be mature and reach my goals.

How does it feel to be in Summer Search?
At first it was kind of awkward, and I didn’t know what to talk to my mentor about. But she would ask me questions, and I just realized I could tell her anything. So now she’s like a resource I can go to. And I’m so excited for my trip! I’m going to Utah, on a mountain and canyon expedition with Outward Bound. This is a big opportunity for me!

Have you learned anything about yourself from being in Summer Search?
I feel like I’m more active already. I think I’m more willing to learn since being in Summer Search. I like it a lot. I feel more responsible for who I am.

According to her referral source, Anita Sena-Johnson, Estefania was a perfect Summer Search candidate because of her generous and adventurous spirit: “She’s got a real instinct for looking past what is on the surface of people and understanding what people need, and that allows her to be so kind and giving. Summer Search is going to open all kinds of doors for her, so she will be able to follow her natural curiosity about the world in a much bigger way that she could probably imagine or do on her own.”

Her mentor, Helen, agrees: “Estefania’s altruism really set her apart. The challenge for her is that it’s hard to say, “This is what I want,” when you are continuously giving to others. So I talk with her about where she wants to grow, and how she can help herself, as well as helping other people. She has big dreams and this is a big opportunity for her to talk – because she has all these people she cares for and she’s always listening.”