This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Fatima Pulido from La Puente High School in La Puente, California. Nominator Joey Zamora writes (lightly edited):
“I am very fortunate to have Fatima as a student in my Renaissance Leadership class for her junior and senior years at La Puente High School. Fatima has participated in and led many groups on campus, from Renaissance to Basketball, and has received accolades as a 4.31 GPA student-athlete, all while volunteering as an elementary and middle school tutor. Coming from a hardworking Mexican-American background, she is a very diligent and determined student, and I have no doubt she will achieve her goal of attending a 4-year university and becoming a nurse. As Vice President of the Renaissance program, she has excelled in promoting positive energy, encouragement and recognition to all her peers and teachers. The pandemic has been hard on everyone, including Fatima, but you would never know it from her ability to complete tasks, create weekly award videos for the school, develop an inspirational social media platform on Instagram that promotes all student accomplishments and school reminders, and take care of business in supporting the school and community.”
How long have you been involved with Renaissance?
Two years.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My favorite Renaissance moment for me was when I received the “Rookie of the Year” Award my Junior year because my classmates voted for me. This made me reflect that all my dedication, speaking in front of the whole school in the Rally, contributing to group work, and one of my favorite memories as a Junior was preparing for our Renaissance Sadies Dance all paid off in the end.
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
Renaissance has impacted my school’s culture because we consider and treat each other like a “family.” We all comprehend that it’s a team effort and if anyone needs a hand we’re willing to help anyone in and outside our campus.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has positively affected me in a personal level. It has created a lot of personal growth because it has allowed me to help others, become a leader, and most importantly it has given me the opportunity to be selected as the Vice President in the efforts of being there for anyone that needs guidance. I’ve had the opportunity to manage our Renaissance Instagram account to recognize our students, inform parents, and staff about any upcoming events.
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
The advice I would give someone just starting in Renaissance is make the best out of your years in Renaissance because you will cherish those memories for the rest of your life and they only help you grow as a person. Be proud of yourself in making the first step in becoming a leader because it takes a lot of courage to get out of your comfort zone. Most importantly be yourself, because every unique characteristic you embrace, you make a difference in your school, and believe that you can accomplish anything you want to pursue in your life because it’s all about perspective and having a resilient mindset.
Fatima will receive a shirt and a lapel pin in recognition of her achievement.
To nominate someone in your school for the National Renaissance Student of the Month honor, click here.