My name is Daniel Lopez, and I am 17 years old and from El Salvador. I have an older sister and brother and am an uncle to a one-year-old niece. I love sports, music, and finding ways to grow and learn as a person. I am currently a senior at La Progresiva Presbyterian School in Miami, Florida.
I have attended my school for 13 years now and am entering my 14th year. La Progresiva has been my home since I was just three years old. I love La Progresiva not only for the education, but the lessons that I have learned there. Throughout my years at this school, I have learned of important values in life such as love, charisma, honesty, and compassion. The teachers do an incredible job at working to be the best they can be, and the administrative staff provides a safe, interesting, and supportive learning environment.
“As a result of my education and life experiences, I have learned that choices, whether minor or major, always matter because they come with consequences that we should understand in advance.”
Growing up everyone goes through different experiences that shape them as a person, especially mentally. I have gone through different trials that have tested my ability to stay positive and faithful. Different challenges have taught me how to be more of a man in a society that continues to change. As a student, there have been times where I did not do well in school, but that has taught me persistence, determination, and courage to be a better version of myself. Along with that, experience is important as it allows me to avoid making the same mistakes. My experiences have allowed me to help and guide others who may be facing similar situations. In the long run, my experiences and challenges will be a major factor in where I end up professionally in life.
As my senior years goes by and the next chapter of life approaches, I continue to prepare myself for the future. In terms of college, I am still figuring out exactly what I would like to do but it is related to being a firefighter. A career such as that one reflects who I am as person: willing to help anyone, putting myself at risk, and being someone who puts others before myself. I look forward to challenging myself in a career that requires physical and mental strength to succeed.
As a result of my education and life experiences, I have learned that choices, whether minor or major, always matter because they come with consequences that we should understand in advance. Sometimes we learn by making the wrong choices. In addition, we must always remind ourselves that choices not only affect us, but also those around us. It is imperative to be mindful and aware of the choices I make moving forward to put myself in the best position to succeed. With that said, being educated in a school environment like La Progresiva, I am confident that I have learned to make choices that will benefit me and others. I believe more families should have the privilege to attend private schools because private schools create an environment where your child can develop intellectually, emotionally and socially.
