Cecelia Montoya

When Cecelia’s mom would ask her what she wanted to be, Cecelia’s answer usually was that she wanted to be a pediatrician or a nurse. That is until she signed up for the public service program as a high school junior and participated in an internship at a local school. She found that the young students energized and inspired her, and gave her the sense that she could make a difference in children’s lives.

Cecelia used to consider herself an introvert, but she felt an immense sense of pride about her Mexican heritage and wanted to express her profound love for her culture. In middle school, she joined the mariachi band, and through that experience, she learned to stand up tall, own her space, and project her passion to audiences. Today, she feels a stronger sense of confidence that she knows will serve her well in front of a classroom.