Senior Spotlight: Edwin Campos Heads to Stanford with Big Dreams and a Bigger Heart

Del Oro High School, the newest campus in the Kern High School District, celebrated its first graduating class last week. Among the first members of the senior class is a trailblazer Edwin Jesus Campos who sought success and found it with his acceptance to Stanford University.

Although he considered other top schools, such as UC San Diego and UCLA, the Stanford acceptance was what sealed the deal.

“It feels surreal. I never thought this day would come,” Edwin shared. “I really didn’t expect to get in. I was applying and hoping for the best. Then Stanford [acceptance] came in, and that’s when I realized that I’m meant for it.”

Edwin’s family was there in the room with him when he opened the acceptance letter. 

“My first reaction was to cry because I was just so proud,” his mother, Lorena Valenzuela, said. “I always knew that he would get into many great colleges, but Stanford, Holy Cow!”

Edwin’s journey has been inspiring. From transitioning schools to finding his footing at Del Oro, he not only rose to the top of his class but also discovered his voice, found his passion, made incredible friends, and grew into the person he wanted to be.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity of switching schools,” he said. “All the teachers give you a lot of support. My friends that I’ve made here, I feel like that has turned me into the person I am.”

Edwin plans to major in Human Biology with a focus on Neuroscience, aspiring to become a neurologist.

“I did take a psychology class through B.C., and I feel like that started my motivation for the cognitive function side of the brain,” Edwin explained. “I really enjoy learning.”

A driven student with a GPA above 4.0 and college credits earned through dual enrollment, Edwin was deeply involved in Academic Decathlon and golf during his time at Del Oro High School. His varied classes and extracurricular activities fueled his curiosity and love for learning. His mother said she’s not sure where it came from, but Edwin has always had a passion for science.

“That’s all him. He’s always been a brilliant kid, but it’s just him and his passion for school,” Valenzuela said.

Beyond academics, Edwin’s story is one of heart. As he prepares to leave home, the excitement is bittersweet. He’ll leave behind his family and friends, but he’ll embark on a new journey to expand his horizons, and his family is just as excited as he is.  

“My mom, she’s really sentimental,” he admitted. “I will definitely miss my family, but I’m going to pursue my goals and aspirations. And there’s a lot of encouragement and motivation from my family.”

Edwin’s mom echoes the sentiment, saying that she couldn’t be prouder of him pursuing his goals, but it will be tough to say goodbye. 

“It will be very, very hard. You’re so used to being with him 24/7,” she said. “It’s definitely going to be life-changing.”

Edwin said he’s proud to be a part of the first graduating class of Del Oro High School. He hopes that his success will help set the tone for encouraging future students to aim high and pursue their dreams. 

“There are students out there who can look up to me and my accomplishments,” he said. “It feels really nice to start that foundation for the school.” 

To his fellow students, as well as those looking to follow in his footsteps, Edwin offers this advice: 

“Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t compare yourself to other people. Find meaning in what you do —and let that fuel your ambition.”