Hiii! (No. 5)

Hi, my name is Robert Gutierrez! I mainly go by Rob. I was born on January 10th, 2007, I’m 17 years old and I attend Mendez High School in Los Angeles California. I am very excited about my Global Glimpse Trip to Costa Rica. I’m excited to make new friends and new memories. I hope that these new experiences will help me grow in the future. Some things about me are I play the violin and sing in my school’s Mariachi group called Mariachi Jaguares! I’ve played violin since I was in 4th grade and plan to continue after high school as well. We’ve performed in places such as Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and for Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass. I’ve also participated in my school’s folklorico. Folklorico and Mariachi are both traditional Mexican performances that connect me to my Mexican culture. I’m very grateful that my school has implemented these activities so students of Mexican descent and students who are curious about Mexican culture can express themselves through their culture.

I’ve done other activities as well such as volleyball and cheer. I’m a person that’s not afraid to try new things and I like to get out of my comfort zone from time to time. I’m also a part of my school’s Student Advisory Board where we participate in classes on how to help students get help by offering different health resources for physical, sexual, and mental health. With this knowledge we learn we’re able to implement it into tabling events where we present our work to students at school and hand out brochures with information, we have games with prizes to make the learning interactive, and we’re able to let students know they’re not alone with their problems and if they ever have a problem they have us or the schools wellness center to seek help. That’s about it for my school life, now more about my personal life outside of school. My family consists of 4 people including myself. My parents are both from Puebla, Mexico, and are my number one supporters and motivation. I also have a brother who’s 21 and attending Rio Hondo College studying Mechanical Engineering.

I have two dogs, a 9-year-old Siberian husky, and a 9-year-old Terrier Mix. They’re my pride and joy, I treat them like my kids; I feed them, clean after them, and I’m always there for them, anything they need I make sure they have it. I take violin and singing classes with a program that offers mariachi classes after school. I’m able to improve my skills and learn new songs weekly each Tuesday and Thursday of the week. I love music, I can’t go anywhere without my headphones to listen to music. When I’m doing something such as studying or cleaning I feel a special connection to the sounds and lyrics and it helps me focus. Music helps me express myself through dancing and performing. I feel like this Global Glimpse trip will challenge me with my ability to refrain from my personal music taste because I won’t be able to listen to the music I want all day long with my headphones and phone. I’m grateful for this Global Glimpse opportunity and will make sure to make the best of my experience.

-Rob Gutierrez