An Introduction

Welcome! I'm Laura Muñoz, a senior at Mater and your blogger. I love school, always have since I walked into Ms. Mejia's Kindergarten class in 2005. Despite my passion for learning, I know school, especially high school, can be very overwhelming. My parents, like many of yours, offer unlimited support and encouragement, but have limited knowledge of the American high school experience; their schooling experiences are nothing like ours. My junior year was one of high stress and high stakes, overflowing with AP classes, club meetings almost every day, a seemingly impossible homework load, and the ever-increasing pressure to know what colleges I wanted to apply to. I survived my junior year, however. You will, too. It seems impossible, but it isn't. Upon surviving it, I realized how much of my time was spent attempting to figure things out for myself, an overwhelming and confusing task. I decided it was my responsibility to help junior Lions feel more informed as they enter high school- so the NHS Mentoring Initiative came to be.

Well I can't just show up and start sharing advice left and right because you don't even know who I am. So, here it is.

I was born in Cuba and my family immigrated to Miami when I was 2. I have lived in Hialeah my entire life, attending Mae M. Walters Elementary School (Go, Eagles!) and then Mater ever since 6th grade. I love for writing (especially poetry) and reading (I can't get enough of John Green)- and I am a Francophile- absolutely obsessed with all things French and Francophone. In my free time, I'm usually watching YouTube beauty videos, at Sephora purchasing new lipsticks (I admit I have a somewhat unhealthy obsession), or watching The Office and New Girl. I'd say I'm the type of person who likes a challenge, I tend to want to take on things others seem to think are impossible. My parents and friends describe me as relentless and determined, sometimes to a fault, and I am also a perfectionist in everything I do. I'm VERY excited for college (although college applications are the worst) and as of now, I wanted to study either Psychology or Neuroscience with a minor in French & French Studies.

That's me, your mentor. But mentoring is a two-way streak. You will learn from me as I learn from you. Over the next few months, I encourage you to be fearless in your questions and let your curiosity run free so that I, too, can learn from you. Start by replying to this post and sharing a little about yourself. I can’t wait to get to know you!

Until next time,

Laura