Kiara Arellano, daughter of Briana Aragon and Jacob Arellano, is 17 years old and a senior at Questa High School. Known as “Kiki” to many, Arellano is a standout student athlete, and someone who projects a warm and confident personality. She is one of those people who lights up a room when she enters.
As the daughter of a hardworking mom, Arellano has taken academics seriously and already sees her future laid out. “I live in the moment but I’m always looking ahead as well,” says Arellano. Arellano participates in basketball, track, cheer, and volleyball. Volleyball is her favorite sport and this year’s last game as a senior was a difficult one for her. “Thinking I would never play on this court again was a hard thing for me to process. I love playing volleyball.”
Arellano has been a member of the National Honor Society since her sophomore year. As a member she is involved with several community service projects, such as food pantry distribution, trash pick-up day, blood drives, and community activities with the St. Anthony Youth Group.
Upon high school graduation she will nearly have her associates degree. “I am making plans to attend New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces and start in the fall.” Arellano has applied for 20 scholarships, all on her own initiative. Like many juniors and seniors, Arellano has also been involved with the tutoring program at Alta Vista Elementary, where she visits classes and helps students with assignments. “I love that program because I love being around kids and helping them. That’s one reason why I’m going into a nursing program. I want to help people. I also love babysitting and being around children, especially babies.”
As a busy student, Arellano has little time for anything else. “In my spare time I hang out with my friends and rest but I also love art.” Specifically, Arellano hand-paints sneakers. Picture a pair of white sneakers as a canvas splashed with bright colors and a unique design! This is something that allow
s Arellano to express her creativity and do something fun that is unique and exclusive to her artistry. Currently, she is working on a pair of sneakers for a friend with a Space Jam theme.
With art a creative outlet for Arellano, it’s no surprise that she names her most influential teacher as Ms. Vialpando, the high school art teacher. “I feel like I can always come to Ms. V. for advice or just to talk to her. I’m really gonna miss her when I’m gone.”
Arellano is very confident when she talks about her future. She has an excellent grasp on what she’d like to do and how she plans on getting it done. In the fall, Arellano will start her journey toward the 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at NMSU. After that she plans to start on her master’s. Arellano wants to focus her studies on labor and delivery and eventually open up her own practice. “I see how hard my mom has worked, as she is in the medical field. My aunt Christian is also a nurse and inspires me as well.” Arellano’s ultimate goal is to move to Hawaii and live on her own as a practicing nurse. “I want to do stuff on my own and pay my own way.”
Arellano’s face lights up when she talks about how her mother’s journey has shaped who she is. “My mom is an independent person and can do anything. She works two jobs and is always there for me and my siblings.”
In August, Arellano will be moving into her dorm room in Las Cruces. She exudes excitement about the thought of living on her own. Admittedly nervous about the idea of prospecting for new friends, she can’t wait to start on the path towards her dreams. She leaves our readers, particularly the younger classmen, with these words, “have fun but don’t forget to look towards the future and be prepared for anything.”
