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Student Spotlight: Christopher Rivas

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Sonoma Valley Sun

For Christopher Rivas, who is about to graduate from Sonoma Valley High School, it has always been about being willing to put in the effort at school. His hard work is paying off with a full-ride scholarship to Santa Clara University to study Environmental Engineering. 

“It all started with seeing my parents willing to put the effort into making a better life here for my brother, sister, and me that always makes me want to give back to them,” says Flowery Elementary and Adele Harrison Middle School grad. “Every time I struggle, I think of how much they have sacrificed.”

“My parents always made sure that we never forgot that we are students first. I played on a travel soccer team during middle school and in high school. They encouraged me in soccer, but I knew school was always most important,” says Rivas.

Rivas is also grateful for the encouragement of his older brother, now at Sonoma State University where he is a Biology Major and interning at a local winery.

“My brother had a lot of challenges as the oldest in our family. I thank him for all he did to guide me along the way. Now my younger sister has the benefit of our experiences as she starts high school next year.”

He credits his teachers for fueling his ambition to succeed. “I see how much effort teachers put into their work and I want to put in my best efforts as a student,” says Rivas. 

Rivas admits that being the only Latinx student in an AP class was difficult. “I wish more Latinx students could be motivated to get into higher-level high school classes and we could see more of a balance at the high school. I hope things start to shift in a better direction.”

With a passion for math, Rivas is most excited about getting into his engineering classes at Santa Clara. “I love the idea of living in a bigger city, meeting new people, and experiencing college life and all it offers. I am taking all of the great memories and friendships with me from Sonoma.”

— Leslie Nicholson

 




Sonoma Sun | Sonoma, CA