While most teenagers spend their summer preparing for their next year in high school, Esperanza Vallejos is already carrying out a big plan for her future.
Entering her senior year at Questa High School this August, the Costilla teen is not just aiming for a high school diploma — she expects to graduate in May 2027 with an associate degree already in hand. Immediately after, she will head to basic training for the U.S. Air Force. “For the past couple years, I have taken college courses at UNM-Taos in order to attain my associates degree when I graduate from high school. It’s been a goal of mine and I’ve worked hard to reach it.”
Her plans to pursue a medical degree changed when her class was visited by Air Force recruiters. “When I heard about the Air Force during a school presentation, I knew it was for me,” Vallejos said. “I have always wanted to travel and when I learned about all the benefits that come from joining I wanted to be a part of it.” A conversation with a family friend who served in the Air Force solidified her decision, turning her interest into a concrete career path.
The daughter of Vivian and Joshua Vallejos, Esperanza or “Espi” has never shied away from a demanding schedule. Her daily commute between Costilla and Questa is a challenge in itself, but one she willingly makes to participate in programs and activities she’s interested in. Some of those include volleyball, the National Honor Society community service projects, and the ProStart culinary arts program — which happens to be taught by her mother.
Described by those around her as a go-getter, Vallejos defines herself as ambitious, outgoing, and ready for any task. That drive is exactly why the idea of military boot camp does not intimidate her. “I have always pushed myself and I like a challenge,” Vallejos said confidently.
Her work ethic and tenacity is fueled by her parents, whom she credits as her strongest allies and role models. “My dad has always supported me and encouraged me to go after what I want,” she said. “My mom has always pushed me to be the best version of myself without pushing me too hard or being overbearing. I love their personalities and the people that they are.”
When she is not focused on academics or future military career goals, Vallejos loves to create art and spend time with friends and family. For the past few summers she’s worked at a coffee shop in Red River. “I love working at Bearly Awake and I have fun preparing and creating drinks and working with the staff,” she said.
She is also an avid artist who describes her bedroom as her canvas, with walls covered in her artwork; something she’s enjoyed doing since childhood. On weekends, she can often be found exploring the outdoors and cruising through the mountains with her friends.
Despite her aspirations with the Air Force, Vallejos remains true to her Northern New Mexico upbringing. “I love the quietness of Costilla and the solitude it provides,” Vallejos said. “I don’t see myself living in a city. I love the mountains.”
As she prepares to step into her senior year, Vallejos offers a powerful piece of advice for the younger generation of local youth: “Don’t be scared, because if you live in fear, you will go down in fear.”
It is a philosophy she lives by, grounded by her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:18, which she eventually had tattooed.
“No matter what pain and suffering you’re going through right now, it won’t compare to the happiness that’s coming,” Vallejos said, summarizing the scripture.
