With the end of another school year approaching faster than we realize, and a fresh group of wide-eyed eighth graders getting ever closer to their first day of high school, it is helpful to consult the wisdom of a senior, particularly one who is involved in a plethora of extracurricular activities.

   Mia Yuguchi (12) is one such senior. She is a four-year member of the Girls’ Water Polo and Swim Teams, and also a board member of both the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and Sending Love Clubs. 

  As one of the Artistic Directors of Sending Love Club, Yuguchi and her fellow club members “make cards for children in the hospital,” in addition to making heart plushies for kids in homeless shelters. 

   In her role as Tech Coordinator of CSF –– which volunteers throughout the community and offers a tutoring program for middle and elementary school students –  she manages their website “and helps find events for the volunteers.”

   Reflecting on some actions or habits that she thinks will serve her well as she heads off to college, Yuguchi turned to her social circle and her connections throughout West High. She reflected, “Joining a club or sport, especially a sport, helps build a good group of friends,” who can become “a good support group” for one another throughout high school and create a sense of community. Yuguchi also advises younger students to “establish good study habits.” She explained that “no matter what classes you’re taking…it’s good to know how you study best, and it’ll help you later on.”

   Yuguchi has evidently taken her own advice to heart, as observed by her friend Romi Vieira Lisboa (12), who, in addition to knowing Yuguchi since the third grade, works with Yuguchi as the Chief Financial Officer of CSF. Lisboa has noticed that Yuguchi is “very persistent” in her work ethic, and “although she might have a huge workload, she always keeps pushing.” 

   And it is not just her work ethic that is admired by others. Lisboa noted that Yuguchi is “really compassionate” with her friends, and “she’s super supportive of everything we do.” 

    In college, Yuguchi intends to major in architecture. As she begins her last semester of high school, Yuguchi continues to set an example of hard work, kindheartedness, and humility for the West High community.