For Miriam Vasquez, high school wasn’t just about academics — it was about transformation, independence, and discovering the power of perseverance. Now, as she prepares to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) with an almost full-ride scholarship, she reflects on a journey that began far away.
Although Miriam was born in the United States, she spent her early years in Oaxaca, Mexico, where she excelled academically and developed a deep love for learning. Her ambition led her to ask her mother for permission to return to the United States on her own and pursue a future filled with greater educational opportunities. She arrived at McFarland High School as a sophomore, staying with an aunt, unsure of her place, and speaking very limited English, her third language.
When she first enrolled, Miriam was placed in English Language Development (ELD) Level One — starting from the basics. Veronica Duran, Miriam’s ELD teacher, says Miriam was eager to learn, going above and beyond the classroom to learn to speak, read, and write English at home.
“Joining cross country, I think that’s when I started to see her growth skyrocket,” Duran said. “She would force herself to speak English to other kids who were not in ELD classes. Listening to her talk now, I’m so proud of her.”
That determination and dedication led to her being reclassified as English fluent within a few short years. Miriam didn’t just learn English — she made sure others like her felt seen, supported, and capable. Inspired by her own experience, she collaborated with Duran to establish the Spanish Club, which aimed to support other students who were new to the area.
“I wanted to help more students like me, who don’t speak English but need to be part of McFarland student life,” Miriam explained. “I told my friends if I’m going to do an extracurricular, I’m not going to do it by myself. I need to take my friends with me. They need to do it, too.”
Miriam Vasquez brought her spanish-speaking friends with her to various clubs and extracurricular activities.
She also threw herself into other extracurricular activities, including art club, cross country, basketball, track and field, and the Voices Club, where she advocated for student inclusion. Through the Migrant Program, she traveled to Washington, D.C., taking weekend classes to learn about government, lawmaking, and college preparation. That experience helped her make the life-changing decision to stay in the U.S. and pursue higher education, rather than return to her family in Mexico.
“I remember the summer after her sophomore year,” said Ms. Duran. “She was struggling, torn between going back home or staying. We told her, ‘We’re here for you.’ She stuck it out. And we are so proud that she did.”
One of Miriam’s proudest moments came when she was accepted to UCSB, her dream school. Her original plan had been to return to her mother in Oaxaca, after finishing up high school. But then UCSB came calling. Her mother, seeing the strength and independence her daughter had developed, told her to go for it — with one reminder: she would be doing it on her own. For Miriam, that was okay.
“I never told my mom I was applying to a UC; she thought I was crazy,” Miriam said with a smile. “But, I’ve been on my own for the past three years. I know how to be independent. I’m ready.”
Her passion lies in science, especially biology, and she dreams of becoming a doctor or a professor. She’ll be getting a head start through UCSB’s Freshman Summer Start Program (FSSP), allowing her to earn college credits early and acclimate to campus life.
“My goal is to learn; that is my only motivation,” Miriam said. “I want to get internships, especially because I want to work in the medical field.”
Miriam has also received multiple scholarships, including the largest one from UCSB, making her college education financially feasible. She calls it a relief to be able to focus on school without worrying about money.
Despite all she has accomplished, Miriam remains focused on lifting others up. Whether she was tutoring incoming English learners, leading fundraisers for the Spanish Club, or mentoring classmates through their own college applications, her impact is undeniable.
“I think the success of some of our students we owe to Miriam,” Duran said. “She left a legacy, and there are several kids behind her now that are mimicking what she’s doing. It’s not just about having your own success; it’s making sure you hold the door open for those behind you.”
As she heads to UCSB, Miriam carries with her the dreams of her younger self, the strength of someone who faced hard choices and chose growth, and the hopes of the students who now look to her as proof that anything is possible.
“Just apply,” she says to those who come after her. “Keep pushing. Keep pushing. No matter how hard it is.”
By Katie Avery
Katie Avery joined the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2023 as a Communications Specialist. As a former journalist and marketing professional, her passions include media and storytelling. Before joining KCSOS, Avery worked for various local TV stations as well as the health care industry.