Student: Brianna Guendulain
Year in School: Junior
Plans After High School: Brianna plans to attend Bakersfield College to earn her AA in Environmental Science. She then wants to attend the University of Pennsylvania, UC Davis, or CalPoly Humboldt to work in wildlife biology or a similar field on an international level.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & SERVICE
What Makes Brianna #BulldogSTRONG: One of the integral behavior expectations of being #BulldogSTRONG is the ability to show GROWTH beyond the walls and halls of Golden Valley High School by being a lifelong learner. Though it may seem like a simple task, the consistent effort at learning about the surrounding world can be a daunting task requiring a deep commitment and discipline to the absorption of knowledge. For Junior Brianna Guendulain, she has become the exemplar lifelong learner at GVHS as evident in her pursuit of a college degree while taking on the most rigorous high school course offerings. Before entering high school, Brianna learned about the Early College Program at Bakersfield College and how students could earn a college degree by the time they graduated from high school. Determined and committed, Brianna enrolled at BC and began taking courses to earn her Associates Degree in Forestry, a field of study she has been passionate about since going to Camp KEEP as a 6th grader at Ollivier Middle School. Throughout her academic journey as a Bulldog, Brianna has been enrolled in GATE, Honors, and AP courses while concurrently taking two to three courses a semester at Bakersfield College including the summer. When combining her classes at GVHS with her courses at BC, Brianna is sometimes completing work for nine courses. Brianna has never earned less than a B in her courses as she has maintained a 3.723 GPA as a Bulldog in the midst of her busy schedule. Some of Brianna’s favorite courses that she has taken towards her college degree are Natural Resources and Wildland Fire Ecology because they have opened her eyes even more to the world around her. After graduating high school, Brianna hopes to continue at BC as she just needs one more year to complete her second Associate’s degree in Natural Resources. She then has aspirations of attending an elite school such as the University of Pennsylvania, UC Davis, or Cal Poly Humboldt to earn her degree in environmental science with aspirations of practicing environmental law, wildlife biology, or ecology. “I am passionate about preserving and protecting the world around me,” humbly comments Brianna, “The world is a beautiful place and I want to keep it that way.”
Throughout her incredible academic career at GVHS, Brianna remains humble and grateful for her experience at GVHS. She is grateful for the teachers that have provided a welcoming and safe space for her to grow and learn while also instilling the value of service towards others. Brianna has been part of numerous clubs where SERVICE and creativity are integral elements to their existence: Interact Club, Clothed in Bulldog Strength, and Creative Writing Club. Brianna has also played soccer for the Lady Bulldogs Soccer program and is currently rehearsing the Bulldog Theatre Company’s production of Flor. Brianna has chartered a very inspirational and amazing journey as a Bulldog and is quick to credit GVHS for providing her with opportunities for GROWTH. “I have gotten to take part in many school activities and events that helped me open up and get to know others,” states Brianna, “I feel that my time at GV has helped me grow as a person and has brought so many opportunities into my life. Going into high school I didn’t know what to expect but now I feel like I have been able to find my own path which I am happy about.” For her commitment to being a lifelong learner as evident in her enrollment at Bakersfield College to earn her Forestry Degree and in her SERVICE oriented mindset by making positive contributions to students and the world around her, Brianna Guendulain is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Brianna: "To me, #BulldogSTRONG means showing kindness and respect for everyone while always striving to do better than you did yesterday.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Brianna:
"Conscientious and hardworking. Those are the first two words that come to mind when I think of Brianna. After an unusual start to her high school career (we were in virtual school during her freshman year), Briana came back on campus as a sophomore driven and ready to learn. She worked hard in her classes and was never shy to ask for help. Briana is a strong example of growth after dedicating herself to hard work sophomore year. She walks #BulldogSTRONG.” Lana King, English Department Chair and GATE English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“My first impression of Brianna was her pleasant demeanor. What I learned about her during the course of the school year was how hard she worked in AP European History. What impressed me was that Brianna not only excelled academically, she also is an athlete and even participated in a drama production. In a sense, Brianna's a Renaissance Woman.” Tracy Costa, AP European History Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Brianna is a determined young lady that is not afraid to ask questions when in doubt. She is the sweetest person. Her pride in her work is always a must for her." Eva Perez, AP Spanish Language Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Already in just the first month of the school year, Brianna has exhibited many qualities that make her a wonderful example of what it means to be #bulldogSTRONG. Brianna displays a positive attitude and gives 100% daily. She is kind, works well with others, and is an active member of the Golden Valley community. I am excited to continue to get to know Brianna this year. I am confident that she will excel academically and make positive contributions both in and out of the classroom.” Karen Bastain, AP English Language and Composition Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Brianna is an outstanding young lady who carries herself with poise and grace. In the two years I have known Brianna, she has shown to be successful in her academics. Brianna has taken GATE and Advanced Placement courses throughout her high school along with Early College courses at Bakersfield College. Brianna is currently working on her Forestry and Natural Resources Associates Degree at Bakersfield College and will be done with the program next year.” Vanessa Torres, Counselor, Golden Valley High School