Valeria Gonzalez

MCPSA: When did you start at Frontier?

Valeria Gonzalez: I was in first grade when I came to Frontier. I did their summer school program, and my family chose Frontier because of all the positive things our Hispanic community shared about the school.  

Like what?

The school community and culture here is diverse. They also emphasized the rigorous coursework and the leadership opportunities you get here.

In what ways would you say Frontier has shaped you?

I was in a car crash the summer before eighth grade. I got a pretty severe concussion, to the point where it affected my vestibular system. I was going through a lot of things psychologically as well as going through physical therapy. The school was really supportive. They helped me set up a 504 [an individualized plan to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to general education and school activities] and provided the accommodations I was required to have. Staff members would constantly check up on me—not only, how are you doing physically, but how are you doing emotionally? It was touching to see how many people really do care about me.

How did that support influence you as a student?

In middle school, because of my struggles, I was introverted and soft-spoken. I didn't have the confidence to speak in front of people, even for a class presentation. But our teachers made me realize that I matter within this community, and my voice is important. That was the foundation for the confidence I have now.

What’s an example of a time when you pushed past your comfort zone?

The KC STEM Fest is like a big science fair. We work on all of these different projects that we create from scratch—it’s our own hard work. Being able to present it to an audience really helps build our confidence. Last year someone had a stand where you could check your blood type. And there was a whole forensic setup we had created as a team, where the audience could investigate a crime scene. I put together a community emergency response team, so I was showing people how to do CPR on newborn babies.

How about clubs and activities?

During freshman year, we were introduced to a lot of different organizations, like Technology Student Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and HOSA [a global organization which empowers students to become leaders in the health industry]. I've heard from friends that not all schools offer student-led organizations like that. Participating in them has really encouraged me to look beyond my limits.

How so?

For three years now, I've been part of the Project Lead the Way biomedical program. It's hands-on learning that gets into collegiate-level studies. The passion and empowerment I received from my instructor led me to participate in HOSA. I ended up running for state office, and I'm now the state president-elect. It's a big accomplishment that I feel proud of, and I don't think I would have been able to do it if I wasn't inspired by the people here.

What have you done through HOSA?

Last year, I started a partnership between our school and the Medical Reserve Corps, which focuses on emergency preparedness for the community. The first event we did was working with the community emergency response team (CERT) at Northwest Missouri State University.

Tell us about the event.

We were volunteers, and we were given an emergency scenario, like a tornado. We had a bunch of props and makeup, and the CERT team from Northwestern would practice skills with us. It not only helped their teams finish their training, but it also helped the students get an idea of what those teams do, if we're interested in that career path.

What was your favorite part of the day?  

My role was to be a patient who was upset over her injured baby. The whole point was that I’m yelling and screaming while other people are trying to get the medical assistance they need. I also speak Spanish, so it was more realistic—not everyone in an emergency scenario is going to be able to communicate with you. The CERT team got a little overwhelmed, but I was like, you will get overwhelmed in emergency situations, so [this is good practice].

So, you plan to pursue medicine … or, possibly, Hollywood?

They thought I was one of the college volunteers! They were like, are you majoring in theater? I'm like, no, I'm in high school. It was so much fun.