Daniel immigrated from Mexico as a child and struggled with confidence, language, and a sense of belonging. He remembers avoiding questions in class, too anxious to speak up for fear of making mistakes. Over time, he made the decision to change his mindset and take ownership of his growth. That choice changed everything.

At Artesia High School, Daniel leaned into his strengths in math and science and found purpose in helping others. He began tutoring ELD students during lunch and later became a TA for Math III. His approach is calm, encouraging, and grounded in empathy. He knows what it feels like to need help and not know how to ask.

Outside the classroom, Daniel competed in MESA engineering challenges and placed at both regional and state levels. He participated in STEM clubs, debate, and track and field, and continues to push himself to grow.

This fall, Daniel will study engineering at Cal State Long Beach. He hopes to build a career where he can solve real problems and give back to the communities that shaped him. For Daniel, resilience is not just about overcoming the past. It is about creating something better for the future.