Student: Genesis Carrillo
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Genesis wants to major in Landscape Architecture at the University of California, Berkeley.
GPS Focus: GROWTH, PRIDE, & SERVICE
What Makes Genesis #BulldogSTRONG: Admittedly quiet and shy, Senior Genesis Carrillo was not very involved in her first few years as a student at Golden Valley High School. As a junior, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and try some new experiences as a Bulldog. “I honestly was a really shy person until my junior year when I got a little bit of motivation and inspiration to try new things,” comments Genesis. One of the activities she ventured into was participating and performing with other students in the Junior Class in the Homecoming 2019 Rally in front of the entire students body. “The Homecoming Rally was a turning point for me as a student at Golden Valley High School,” humbly states Genesis, “It was such an amazing experience in which I met new people and further inspired me to be involved in student leadership.” As a result of the rally, Genesis decided that in Spring 2020 that she would run for the ASB student leadership position, Commissioner of Cultural Affairs and to her excitement, she was voted in by her peers. One of the behavior expectations of being #BulldogSTRONG at Golden Valley is the ability to show SERVICE in the classroom by acknowledging and respecting differences - a value that Genesis is committed to in her position. One of the early efforts at promoting a positive #BulldogSTRONG culture that acknowledges and respects differences by Genesis and other members of student leadership is a concerted effort at Hispanic Heritage Month. Genesis and her classmates have created videos celebrating Latinx heroes, holidays, traditions, and much more. Genesis is currently working on a video that will bring attention to Hispanic food. “Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it allows us to recognize our beautiful culture through a closer look at music, food, and our heroes,” passionately states Genesis, “It should be taught in schools because many students don't know enough about it.” For Genesis and the rest of the Committee on Cultural Activities at Golden Valley, they have plans to bring attention and awareness to other cultures and traditions such as Black History Month in February.
As Genesis reflects on her time as a Bulldog at Golden Valley, she is grateful for those staff members who have left a positive impact on her life and that have provided her support along the way. Her favorite place at Golden Valley is the library and for the past two years she has been a student in the Library Science course under the direction of Teacher Librarian Manuel Sanchez and Library Technician Gaby Ruvalcaba. “Mr. Sanchez and Mrs. Ruvalcaba are two staff members that have helped me out a lot and have provided a space for me to study and be myself at Golden Valley,” graciously comments Genesis, “I miss being in the library because I appreciate everything those two have done for me.” Academically, Genesis has earned a 3.44 GPA while being enrolled in College Prep and Advanced Placement courses. In addition to her busy academic schedule, Genesis works at Jack In The Box in order to bring in some extra income for her and her family. Genesis is able to be successful with a busy schedule because of the lessons she has learned at Golden Valley. “Golden Valley has everything a student could want,” states Genesis, “It’s full of amazing staff and teachers that try to help you and it’s full of amazing students that are proud to be #BulldogSTRONG.” In her commitment to acknowledging and respecting differences through cultural awareness in her ASB position as Commissioner of Cultural Affairs and in the genuine PRIDE she has in being a student at GVHS, Genesis Carrillo is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Genesis: "#BulldogSTRONG to me means to be someone positive who treats everyone with kindness and stands up for those who need support. It means to be of assistance to everyone and do our part to help just like our teachers do.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Genesis:
"Genesis is a bright, respectful, and talented student I got the privilege to work with in the library last year. Always willing to help me in anything I asked, she always did a stunning job . I am so glad she is once again a Library Science student. I am so eager to go back to school and see her walk in the library once again with her lovely smile.” Gaby Ruvalcaba, Library Technician, Golden Valley High School
“I have known Genesis for over two years, and during this time, I have witnessed her hard work and growth as a student. She is an excellent library student who shows pride by applying her creativity to library displays that promote diversity, books, and events. Genesis does a great job working with her classmates and exhibits service when assisting students in locating library resources. She has been a valuable addition to the library familia.” Manuel Sanchez, Teacher Librarian, Golden Valley High School
"Genesis embodies what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG. In her senior year she has taken on the challenge of AP Spanish and is the Commissioner of Cultural Affairs. In addition to her demanding course load, she also works at Jack In The Box. Juggling school and work life is the true definition of Growth, Pride, and Service where she exhibits this not only in the classroom and on campus, but in the community as well. I am proud to have Genesis Carillo as a part of our #bulldogSTRONG family." Jennifer Webb, Dean of Instruction and Administration, Golden Valley High School
“I’ve only had Genesis as my student for a little over a month now, but even in these five weeks of getting to know her I know she is #BulldogSTRONG. Genesis is so kind and respectful towards others, and she is doing so well with distance learning. I’m so glad she is my student!” Nadia Wehbe, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“I first met Genesis when I subbed for her sophomore English class. She is one of the most respectful and hardest working students I have met. No matter what she always makes the effort to greet me when she sees me around on campus. She demonstrates Growth, Pride, and Service everyday that she is on campus. She is a shining example of what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG.” Fernando Ruiz, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School