Getting to know VP Valeria Gonzalez

Q: Why did you choose to go into student government?

A: I chose to go into student government because, since the very first week I knew about it, I saw the dynamic things that people can do there. I absolutely loved it! It is the perfect place to create memorable experiences for everyone, not only for the people in the program! I started two years ago and I could not be happier with my decision.

Q: What do you do in your role?

A: I am ASB (Associated Student Body) vice-president. My role as an officer is to work very very closely with all the members as well as assume responsibility in the case of absence of the ASB President, which I highly doubt since she’s really amazing at everything she does!

Q: Why were you interested in this position?

A: I was interested in this specific position because I wanted the opportunity to make an impact. I want to be that person who encourages and teaches people not only how to be leaders, but how to be humans, too. Great leaders should be great people! This year I’m all about creating connections and I wanted my job to give me the opportunity to work with everyone from the panel, to not only focus on one thing because I also believe the best way to be your best self at work is from knowing most of the perspectives from the people working within it, so being vice-president sounded perfect to me.

Q: How has COVID-19 and Distance Learning challenged you in fulfilling your role so far?

A: I believe COVID has challenged us all one way or another… It’s hard to create the same feeling and experience (that we could have at school) online now… However, I and ASB panel, as well as our Director of Activities / adviser, have been working to give the students a great school experience, despite of everything that has been going on in this chaotic world.

Q: Do you plan to continue student government in college?

A: I most likely will. I would love to continue to be part of it in my college experience.

Q: Besides student government, what else are you involved with (both at school and outside of school)? What are your hobbies? What do you want to do when you graduate (school plans and career goals)?

A: Besides student government, I am one of the founders of Skate for Change club at Armijo. We plan the events that consist of getting donations to give away to our homeless community in Fairfield, this is a really big deal to me because it means the world to be able to help in a bigger scale and make our community a better place. I’m also part of the Garden and French Clubs as well as Student Ambassador of GenUp, a district-level student-led organization focused on education equality. My hobbies are coloring, hiking, and watching Netflix shows! I plan to keep doing as best as I possibly can and once I graduate it would be my dream come true to go to UC Berkeley or UCLA. I plan to major on International Relations and I have many ideas of the careers I want to pursue, but I haven’t been able to decide yet.

Q: What advice would you give to someone contemplating on getting involved in student government?

A: I strongly recommend it! You will experience lots of positive things, and yes, I know the program might seem like we only plan and host events, but in reality, that’s not it. There are so many things that happen behind the scenes of an event, so many funny, emotional, and exciting moments; Student government is more than just a program, it is a place where I have experienced the best moments of my life with incredible people. I’ve grown and learned so much in the last couple of years, and …there hasn’t been a single day where, at the end, Leadership hasn’t taught me something. There hasn’t been a single day when I don’t see smiles on the face of the students from some activity or talk or event going on. That’s what makes it worth it so much. A genuinely great place and community to be part of!

Q: If you could change one thing about Armijo, what would it be?

A: I would like Armijo to have a facility like the Family/Parents Center, the library, or AG5 (the leadership room) where students are just free to hang out or study, with enough space and comfort. I really just want the students to feel comfortable and for them, when they think of Armijo, they think of good moments they spent there and not the opposite. Oh, and also, more events that involve our community and school together! I want to show our community what AHS is about!

Q:  Anything else you would like to say?

A: I don’t really have anything more to say than thank y’all from the Armijo Signal for keeping us informed and still doing content in these difficult times. We really appreciate it. That being said, if anyone ever wants to contact me to ask about anything, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. I hope everyone is staying safe and hopeful. There are better times coming!