Morton East High School
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Sarai Arroyo
A Brief Insight into a Reticent Student
By: Xiumara Mariscal
Sarahi Arroyo studying for her upcoming quiz in AP Spanish. Photo taken by Xiumara Mariscal, a student at Morton East.
Sarahi Arroyo, a senior at Morton East High School, is a zealous yet bashful person. Arroyo has overcome obstacles within her academic career and still is toiling to move forward in hopes of a brighter future. During her leisure time, she has secured her spot in the class of 2020 and the National Honor Society at Morton East. Additionally, she is a contributor to her local church on weekends. It isn’t easy to juggle extracurricular activities, AP classes, or contemporary responsibilities for Arroyo. However, she has persevered four years of high school and is looking forwards to the next chapter of her life.
Arroyo is planning to major in Psychology at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Illinois. She later plans to become a psychologist or a social worker in hopes of helping others. It is salient for her to help those without a voice and/or without aspiration.
“I would like to help people. I enjoy studying mental processes and behavior, which is why I decided to take AP psychology this year,” Arroyo stated.
For Arroyo, it is challenging maintaining AP classes, extracurricular activities and after school activities. At times, she becomes overwhelmed, stressed and even anxious. However, she finds ways to keep going.
“One long term goal for me is to not give up because I find it very easy to,” Arroyo answered when asked about a long-term goal of hers.
Arroyo grew up on the south side of Chicago. It was challenging to maintain conformity and the educational system wasn’t compliant enough. In hindsight, the external factor was affecting her schooling.
“There was a lot of violence, gangs and shooting like every other day; we didn’t learn anything in school,” Arroyo stated.
Since moving in the sixth grade, she has been more attentive in her schoolwork and has put more effort into her future. Here at Morton, Arroyo has grown fond of her teachers. Since arriving here, she has had competent teachers who have shaped and assisted her in her high school experience.
“Mr. Tondelli always made sure I was okay along with Mrs. O’Donnell. Also, Ms. Mendoza has always been supportive and kindhearted. She is someone I can trust.”
The feeling is mutual. Her teachers believe she is a bright student. Although she is an introvert, her talents are acknowledged by her teachers.
“Sarahi is a dedicated and motivated student. She’s always ready for class and is always striving to be better,” Spanish teacher, Ms. Mendoza explained.
Arroyo is an active leader in her community. She attends her regular meetings at NHS and the Class of 2020. Arroyo enjoys being part of diverse and exclusive clubs.
“The people (in the Class of 2020) are always happy and the teachers are funny and easy to get along with.”
In addition to her extracurricular activities at school, Arroyo volunteers her time to the kids at Mary Queen of Heaven, her church. She affiliated with young kids who are currently doing their communion. She also attends weekly class and mass.
“I’m a catechist assistant: I teach the kids and help the teachers, whether it’s with lesson plans or activities.”
Arroyo has developed friendships that are unique and support her decisions. Her friends are indulgent of her.
“Sarahi has helped me become better. She’s very understanding, patient and compassionate, even though she doesn’t show it that much. Last year we had a class together and she helped by getting through it. She is very considerate towards others," Berenice Anaya, a friend, emphasized.
Arroyo is affectionate to her family. She appreciated all her mother does for her and wants the best for her. He has three older brothers, of which she finds annoying but still cherishes their relationships. She values her family and hopes to never lose her connection with them.
Arroyo has navigated four years of high school. She ambitions a bright future with a career, compelling mental health, and a united family.