Born in Las Vegas and raised in Oakley since she was four, Emily has made the most of every opportunity to grow and give back to her community. Inspired by her parents’ hard work and perseverance as immigrants from Mexico, she has embraced challenges and turned them into stepping stones toward a bright future.
A Passion for Service
Emily’s dedication to service began early. “When I was younger, I didn’t grow up with a lot—my parents had to start from zero. I received a lot of support because of our income, and that inspired me to give back to my community. Volunteering got me out of the house more, and in high school, joining the INTERACT Club opened even more opportunities to help others.”
Her passion for giving back started with SOS Outreach, which introduced her to skiing and helped improve her mental health. This spark led her to volunteer more, including at the Christian Center food pantry and with the INTERACT Club, which opened even more opportunities to serve.
Now a member of Youth Link’s health committee, Emily is preparing for a humanitarian trip to Fiji, where she will teach CPR, self-defense, and mental health strategies. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “What really got me into it is the involvement with kids in Fiji. The culture is so different from what we have, and it’s a humbling experience.”
Academic Excellence
Emily’s academic achievements are a testament to her drive and focus. Through UVU’s concurrent enrollment program, she earned an Associate of Science degree, along with 25 elective credits. She also participated in the prestigious UVU Summer Bridge program, saying, “Out of 2,000 students, I was one of the selected participants, and my tuition and classes were paid for.”
Her interest in medical anatomy, forensic science, and psychology reflects her goal of pursuing a career in patient care. Emily emphasizes the importance of connecting with patients: “I want to talk to patients and hear their stories.” Accepted to the University of Utah, she is excited to take the next step toward her dream.
Advice and Vision
To younger students, Emily advises, “Manage your time wisely. Always have time for three things: yourself, your future, and your commitments. Make sure you’re healthy, getting food and sleep, and spending time with family and friends. Also, prioritize your studies, scholarships, and extracurriculars.”
If Emily could speak to her younger self she would encourage her, “Keep going. You’re doing great. Every interaction and event you’ve signed up for is worth it.”
For Emily, making an impact is about focusing on others. “I want to contribute my limited time on this earth to whoever I can influence. Whether it’s a young kid learning or an adult facing life’s challenges, I hope to encourage them to keep going.”
Emily’s journey reflects her resilience, gratitude, and commitment to leaving a meaningful legacy. “Death is a big motivation for me. Knowing I could go at any moment pushes me to make my life meaningful.”
Among her proudest moments are being recognized by an Olympic skier at a Women’s Sports Foundation event and receiving a signed pair of skis. “It taught me that I can do this and I’m able to achieve a lot,” she said.