South El Monte High School senior Jayleen Faustino is someone who values independence, kindness, and protecting her peace. As the oldest child in her family, she learned responsibility and independence at a young age, which helped shape the mature person she is today. She describes herself as caring and adventurous because she enjoys trying new things and always being there for the people she loves. One memory that she remembers from elementary school is when they would celebrate Cinco de Mayo performing traditional dances. Family has played a huge role in her life, especially her dad, who taught her to believe in herself and never doubt what she is capable of achieving. She also shared how family traditions like celebrating posadas during the winter season remain important to her. Throughout high school, difficult experiences such as losing her uncle and being betrayed by close friends taught her valuable lessons about appreciating family, protecting her energy, and recognizing her worth.

During her high school years Jayleen grew into a more confident and self-aware person. Since freshman year, she has learned not to let others take advantage of her kindness and to surround herself with people who truly value her. A sport and teacher that had the biggest impact on her was wrestling and her teacher Mr. Escamilla, wrestling taught her the importance to value herself and not please everyone, and Mr. Escamilla has always been a good person to her and everyone else. She is most proud of the personal growth and lessons she gained throughout high school, even through difficult moments. After graduation, she plans to attend Cal State LA to get her Bachelors in biology and transfer to Cal State Long beach or UC Irvine to earn her masters degree. Her main goal is to finish her education and build a successful future for herself. To achieve that goal, she spends time researching information, asking questions, and working hard toward her dream career. When people remember her after high school, she hopes they remember her as a mature, hardworking, and caring student — and maybe also as “the girl with the bright royal blue car.”