At just 14 years old, Lyanna Vigil, a freshman at Questa High School, has a clear vision for her future. The daughter of Alicia Cisneros and Dalton Oakeley, Vigil is already an exceptional student, a dedicated athlete, and a community-minded young woman with her sights set on becoming a radiologist.
Growing up and attending school in Questa, Vigil has found a motivator in her favorite sport, volleyball. Playing as an outside hitter and setter, she says the sport has pushed her to excel academically and become a good teammate. “It’s been a motivator for me to keep up on my studies,” she noted. She also expressed true respect for her coaches.
When she’s not on the court or in the classroom, Vigil loves to read and draw, often spending her free time creating floral art and landscapes. This past summer, she interned at the Questa Farmers Market, where she sold t-shirts every Sunday and looks forward to working at the Cerro Vista Farm as part of the Cultivo program- a youth-focused agricultural internship for 14-18 year olds that operates at Cerro Vista Farm. She’s particularly excited for the market’s culmination at the Cambalache event on October 5 and says she plans on interning next summer as well.
Her family plays a central role in her life. Vigil enjoys baking, cooking with her mom, and spending time with her family camping and traveling. A recent trip to Estes Park, Colorado, was a major highlight for her. Vigil also shares a special bond with her maternal grandparents, Randy and Tina Cisneros. She mentioned that every morning before school, her grandpa Randy makes eggs and bacon for her and her brother, while her nana Tina makes biscuits to go along with the meal.
Despite her young age, Vigil is already planning for her career. She’s decided she wants to become a radiologist, drawn to a profession that is both interesting and provides financial stability. “I like to have a plan on what I’m going to do when I graduate because then I can be prepared and start learning early,” she said. “With prices continuing to rise, I want to have a job that provides for me.”
When thinking about her higher education, Vigil has aspirations to attend an Ivy League school. “I really want to travel and attend Oxford or Boston University when I graduate,” she stated.
When asked to describe her core attributes, Vigil said she strives to be caring, encouraging, and intelligent. “My friends will sometimes call me a nerd because I am always reading,” she said with a laugh. “I just love to read and explore new topics I’m interested in.” A history and math enthusiast, she’s currently fascinated by the life of Henry VIII.
Vigil credits her mother, Alicia Cisneros, as the guiding force in her life. She described her mom as a “strong, amazing person” who has always been there for her. Vigil admires her mother’s resilience and strength, qualities that have helped shape her own determination. ‘I want to be like my mom when I grow up,” says Vigil.
Vigil’s final piece of advice for her younger classmates is a simple, powerful message: “Just be kind. Be the reason why people believe in good things. You never know when you can make someone’s day.”
