Having drive and motivation is important, especially when it comes to involvement with the things around you. Aileen Mendiola Morales is a junior at Greeley West who not only has these traits, but executes them throughout the community and the school. 

As she is highly involved in the community around her she helps with activities such as Gifted and Talented Club president and founder, Key Club member, National Honors Society secretary, and the volunteer coordinator for Mexican American Historical Project Greeley. What truly drives her though is “finishing the projects I start and advocating for not only myself but for the things I’m involved in,” Mendiola Morales stated. 

When starting the GT club she wanted to help these peers get more involved in their school as well as her while also advocating for them. When it comes to something she finds passion though is“learning about my culture and community,” Mendiola Morales stated. She does this through the Mexican American Historical Project Greeley as she is the volunteer coordinator for them and feels is her favorite activity she is a part of.

Mr. Nicholas Jacoby is a teacher who worked with Mendiola Morales over summer school when she was getting ahead in her credits. When Jacoby was working with her he noticed how “passionate she is about her willingness to succeed.” A trait that has Mendiola Morales stand out is her, “ability to connect with her peers while also succeeding and pushing herself,” Jacoby stated. 

Mr. Ryan Knoblock is also someone who has worked with Mendiola Morales. Something he has seen through her that sets her apart is “her work ethic and desire to learn, she makes sure that she accomplishes everything and understands subjects fully,” Knoblock stated. In order to get everything done she “ works with students and teachers to collaborate and accomplish every task,” according to Knoblock.