Student: Natily Guebara
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Natily plans on attending California State University, Bakersfield and then transfer to a school to major in political science so that she can work for the government.
GPS Focus: PRIDE and SERVICE
What Makes Natily #BulldogSTRONG: High school is a time for teens to learn valuable skills for life from their classmates, teachers, and staff members. School days (whether virtual or in person) are filled with the rigors of academic expectations, preparation for a successful life after high school, as well as those moments of fun, creative activities that spark lifelong passions. For Golden Valley High School Senior, Natily Guebara, her high school experience as a Bulldog has nurtured her sense of creativity and inspired her to think of success beyond graduation. As an incoming freshman from Ollivier Middle School, Natily was placed in Ms. Bianca Castillo’s art class and it was there in which she developed a passion for art. Natily learned to enjoy sketching as a way to express herself as it was a positive outlet for her social and emotional well being. As a result of her new found joy, Natily joined the Golden Valley Art Club and started coming up with creative ways to infuse her passion for art into other interests such as her love of music. As a long time fan of hip-hop and artists like Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q, she has always been fascinated by album covers and with her love of sketch work, Natily created her own version of the album cover Eternal Atake by Lil Uzi Vert - a project where she infused paint to add some further artistic flair and creativity to her sketch. In an act of benevolence, Natily made the piece for a friend that she attends concerts with. “Sketching, painting, and listening to music always puts me in a good mood,” states Natily, “I am in a good space when I am being creative and can share my art with others.”
Beyond her eclectic creativity surrounding art, Natily is also very passionate about SERVING and helping others. Last Spring, Natily was elected by her peers as the Associated Student Body (ASB) Historian, a position that allows her to honor Golden Valley’s past traditions and create positive memories for students. This year, Natily’s goal is to work to keep students’ spirits high by having them see the positive side of distance learning and let them know they are not alone when it comes to the stress, anxiety, and feeling of disconnection from friends and their school. “As hard as online learning is, ASB is always trying to keep students’ spirits high,” passionately states Natily, “We are trying to make this experience as pleasant as possible and if students are struggling, our school has a lot of resources to help them back on track.” Because of her experience in student leadership and with additional inspiration from four of her teachers of which include Castillo, Ms. Tracy Costa, Ms. Terri Richmond, and Mr. Jason Goad, Natily has aspirations of majoring in political science in college, working for the government, and helping people in creative ways. “Through the staff that have supported me, Golden Valley has become the place I have found myself,” humbly states Natily, “I have been able to confidently build my personality, work on my own GROWTH, and become the person I’ve always dreamed of becoming - a person that genuinely cares and is understanding.” For her imagination, creativity, and passion for sketch work infused with hip hop themes and in her desire to SERVE others with compassion and empathy as ASB Historian, Natily Guebara is #BulldogSTRONG.
As ASB Historian, Natily Guebara has done her part to maintain the spirits of her peers during distance learning such as stating a few of the #BulldogSTRONG Map to Success behavior expectations earlier in the year.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Natily: "#BulldogSTRONG means to be kind to other peers and try to be as helpful as possible as well as being an amazing student at Golden Valley High School.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Natily:
“Natily has been a wonderful addition to the leadership program this year. She is innovative, dependable, and works wonderfully with the other students. She is so deserving of being the center of the recognition for this week!” Valerie Black, Activities Director, Golden Valley High School
“Natily is the best! Natily was a pleasure to have in class. She always went above and beyond in all that she did. Natily really improved as an artist throughout the course of the school year while also helping her classmates grow as well. Aside from the classroom, Natily was a leader in the Art Club and was passionate about making a difference in the community. I look forward to seeing the long list of accomplishments she will complete here at GV and beyond.” Bianca Club, Art Teacher and Art Club Advisor, Golden Valley High School
"Natily is #BulldogStrong in the PRIDE she takes in her classwork and in her work ethic. She is consistent and disciplined and always wants to do her best. I am proud to have her in class and I know she will continue being successful in the future. Go Natily!” David Lollar, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“This year is the second time I have had Natily as a student. She is awesome! When we were in person, she is always on time, very respectful and courteous to everyone, always has a smile, and turns in her work on time and correctly done. When she has a question, she asks, and when she needs a little extra help, she comes to tutoring. I am very proud of the outstanding young adult she is, and she truly exemplifies what #BulldogSTRONG is all about! I am glad that she has been my student twice, and I am looking forward to her coming back and sharing just how awesome her life continues to be after high school. I know that she will have a great life in the future, and I wish her the best! Golden Valley is lucky to have her as a student.” Jason Goad, Math Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Natily is a person who has a true sense of caring. She is thoughtful, and I don't just mean the type of person who gives gifts. She asks about the welfare of others and demonstrates genuine concern for those around her. I admire her kindness and empathy.” Terri Richmond, Social Studies Department Chair and WASC Coordinator, Golden Valley High School