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20 making a difference: Student

Wise and articulate beyond her years, 13-year-old Andrea Reyna already knows that she wants to be a pediatrician and go to UCLA.

Perhaps this eighth-grader’s biggest impact on her community and in this world is still in the future, but it’s certainly a bright one.

“I want to be a pediatrician because maybe two or three years ago, I started to see kids that are struggling with cancer all around me,” Andrea said. “I want to be a pediatrician, so I can help them and they can have life.”

According to school staff members, Andrea is the top Latina student at Thompson Junior High. Going to school is on her list of favorite things to do.

“I love learning and just getting to know something new everyday,” she said.

Learning is both a blessing and a privilege, according to Andrea.

“I’ve been reading about other countries that don’t have the chance to get to have an education and I’m in a country where I can, so that’s awesome,” she said.

This Bruin-in-the-making has already visited the campus of her dreams with an academic club called, AVID at her school.

“I took a trip there and it’s nice. I really want to go there. I’ve thought about other places, but I’ve heard that it’s good for becoming a doctor,” Andrea said.

Andrea is also running for class treasurer at her school.

“I love math. It’s my favorite subject. I want to be the treasurer because I always liked dealing with numbers,” she said.

Drawing inspiration from her family, Andrea has already learned a few important lessons.

“Never give up on anything and just keep my mind on school. They always told me school comes first,” she said. “Don’t give up on your family, either. Even if they are going through tough times, don’t give up on them because they are still your family.”

Andrea has lived in Bakersfield her whole life and while others may disagree, she loves the climate here — dry heat and all.

“It’s hot, but we don’t stay hot all the time. In other countries, they’re freezing or they’re dying of heat and stuff,” she said.

Andrea’s next big step in life will be the transition next year to high school.

And though she admits she is a little scared about that first year, Andrea is also optimistic, saying that it will only take her a few weeks to get used to the way things work at a bigger school.

More wisdom from a teen who plans to make a difference.