English

Pieces of Me

My name is Valentina Arévalo Castro, I am 17 years old, and I was born into a loving family with my parents, Luisa and Hugo. Since I was a little girl, I've been cheerful, grateful, and full of dreams. My life has been marked by special moments like my birthdays, school memories, and the people I've met along the way.

Today, as I get ready to finish this important stage at La Gabriela, I carry with me the lessons, friendships, and experiences that have shaped who I am. Family, friends, and basketball are some of the things that give meaning to my journey, and I look forward to building a future filled with love, passion, and gratitude.

My past

Since I was little, I have been a very cheerful and smiling girl, although a bit tearful according to my mom. I have had everything in my life, and I will always be grateful to my parents for that. They have done so much for me, and I will always appreciate them. They are such a fundamental part of my life, just like my brother. I love them very much and I hope to share my life with them for many more years.

I remember that one of the things I have loved most in this life is my birthdays. My mom always bought me piñatas, and I loved them, along with the candies.

My experiences

When I entered La Gabriela, I remember I didn't go alone—I started kindergarten with one of my best friends, Danna Saavedra, and even now, as we finish eleventh grade, we have always stayed close. I hope it will be that way for the rest of our lives. La Gabriela is one of the most beautiful schools for me. I have learned so many things—sometimes it hasn't been easy, but it feels like a second home. Most of my life I have spent there, so I will always keep it in my heart, no matter how far I go.

From a very young age, my mom enrolled me in a daycare right in front of my house, La Tomasa Castillo. At first, I hated it, but with time I adapted. There I met many children, and the teacher said I was a girl who simply cared for others and loved spending time with each one of them, even if it was just a little. I learned so many things there that I feel still define me as a person today.

My school

La Gabriela is one of the most beautiful schools for me. I have learned so many things—sometimes it hasn't been easy, but it feels like a second home. Most of my life I have spent there, so I will always keep it in my heart, no matter how far I go.

School is one of the most important places in my life. I met many people there whom I love, like Angely. At first, we didn't get along, but with time we accepted each other and became very close. We even joined the basketball team together. Basketball is a sport I adore with all my heart. I loved playing it, and I hope to practice it again in the future.

My present

Currently, I am a cheerful person. I have changed a lot compared to how I used to be—I am less shy now, and I like helping people. I've realized that life takes many turns, and it's beautiful to enjoy the little moments I have left with the people who surround me every day. I love my classroom, and I will always carry it in my heart.

My personal relationships

My family is very special to me. Even though we sometimes have disagreements and arguments, we will always be together no matter what. I hope to share more time with them, to travel, and to continue the trips we used to take before.

I am surrounded by many good people. This year I've met so many new friends, and I know I share something special with each of them that connects us. Anyelina, Mariana, Sara, María, Luisa, Camilita, Angely, and Danna are incredible girls—I adore them with all my heart, and I will always be there for them. They feel like a gift from life.

This year I joined Ruta Joven, a group of people with such big hearts. I admire everything they do; they show so many beautiful things, and I hope to learn more from that warm environment they create as a second family. Since I joined, I've felt good and shared lovely moments with them.

One of the things I love most is animals. Throughout my life, I've had many pets, most of whom are no longer with me. Now, I only have two birds, who are beautiful, and I take care of them with all my heart.

My future

For my future, I wish to accomplish many things. One of them is to become an architect. It is a career that truly inspires me and matches many of the qualities I have. I have always said that art is my life, and I hope to reflect it in my future—creating amazing things and showing the world the beautiful things that even a small mind can achieve.

I also want to study languages, a career that I like very much. I hope to graduate and earn my degree. For me, languages open many doors, and they are a fundamental skill that everyone needs. I love traveling, I long to travel, and I hope to explore the world if possible. That is one of the reasons that motivates me to pursue such a special career as languages.

In the future, I hope to achieve many of the goals I have set for myself: to have my own house, my car, a farm with animals if possible, and many more dreams. If God allows it, I will accomplish many of these things, and I have faith that it will be so.