Young Latina, a South Gate student, receives recognition for impeccable attendance in 13 years of study
Emely Aylin Juárez graduated from high school this week and one of her accomplishments was receiving recognition for not missing a single day of school since she entered kindergarten.
For 13 years, and regardless of whether she was ill, if it rained, or if there were unforeseen events in the family, the young woman maintained perfect attendance and always arrived on time for her classes.
The Compton resident recalls that about nine years ago her maternal grandfather passed away and her mother, Kathy Juárez — who always took them to school on time — had to go to Mexico for the funeral.
"We stayed with my dad and he was in charge of taking us to school (always on time)," said Emely.
The third of four siblings also assured that from a very young age she promised never to miss classrooms.
"I know that perfect attendance is very important here in the United States," said the daughter of immigrants.
"(My parents) since they were in Mexico they worked very hard so that their children had a better future."
Her mother said that since Emely was little she noticed that she was a little different from her other children. "She was more applied and responsible."
She even remembers seeing Emely nervous when she thought she was going to be late for school.
"Already in this last year, one day he was driving and since the light took a long time to change, (Emely) got off and walked because he was worried about being late," said his 48-year-old mother.
Katy said she is proud of her daughter's achievements and notes that she has a great responsibility for her studies.
Emely graduated from International Studies Learning Center in South Gate, with an average of 3.8. His graduation, which had to be virtual, was on the last Thursday.
An irregular end
However, the young woman recognized that the last semester was a challenge, since – like thousands of other students in the world – she was affected when classes were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I did well in my classes but I do feel it was more work because I was alone," said Emely.
"I never imagined (what would happen) this … I thought that school would be the same as other years." However, the lack of academic environment did not stop Emely to continue to excel and participate on time, in her classes that were taught by video conference.
High school principal Joyce Dara said they take great pride in Emely's extraordinary achievement.
"One of the most fundamental elements of academic success is constant attendance," he indicated in a
release.
"Emely's commitment to being in school every day of her K-12 cycle has contributed to her success now and has laid a solid foundation for her future."
For her part, Jackie Goldberg, board member of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) said that hard work, tenacity, and a love of learning were skills Emely already had and therefore took advantage of educational opportunities in his school.
"I can only add my sense of pride and offer my congratulations as you pursue your academic goals in a new environment."
On the way to university
Emely is the first to attend college with her family, and she was admitted to six colleges, including Loyola Marymount and UC Merced.
However, he chose to attend Cal State Long Beach, as it is very close to his home. There will begin this fall.
"I will continue to live with my family while I go to university because that is very important to me," said the young woman, who hopes to be as applied in her higher studies as she was in grades kindergarten through 12.
Her father, Juan Juárez, 53, said this achievement is only the result of what Emely had shown all her life.
"She enjoyed school from a very young age … She always went from home to school and from school to home," said Juan, who is a carpenter by trade.
"I am very proud of my daughter because in Mexico it is very difficult to study and I came to this country to make a family and give them the best."
Emely hopes to study medicine and specialize in pediatrics as she wants to help many children as well as in the past doctors helped her two little nieces who were born with health problems.
Of course, it recommends that students not skip school or miss classes because "they can find many academic and personal benefits."
