Destiny Saucedo

“I’m thankful for my mom because she doesn’t have a job, but she works hard: taking care of us at home, and driving us places. It’s a lot of work, even though we don’t realize it. I want to be like my mom. If she loves something, she won’t give up on it. If she has to protect us, she will protect us—she’ll never stop. So when it comes to something that I love deeply, I will pursue and protect it like she protects me. “About a year ago, I had gotten hurt emotionally. She told me ‘Destiny, you don’t need to care about what people say. You don’t need their opinions. What matters is the people who care about you and love you, things that matter to you, not what to wear or what to eat.’ “I love her so much and I truly am thankful for her. Often times, I overlook the little things my mom does, but in reality, they’re the biggest things.”

—Sophomore Destiny Saucedo.