Sacred Heart has always been more than a high school for Ashley—it is a community that instilled purpose and vision in every student who walks its halls. For her, Sacred Heart became the foundation of her journey toward higher education, a journey she had once thought impossible. At first, college felt like a distant dream, a privilege meant for others. Growing up as a Guatemalan-Mexican American in a community with limited resources, she had learned to value knowledge but often doubted her ability to access it. Yet Sacred Heart, with its strong network of coaches, teachers, and peers, changed everything.
“At Sacred Heart, I was fortunate to be surrounded by supportive coaches and teachers who foster an environment that nurtures humble, accountable leaders.” Her cross-country coaches, Mr. and Mrs. Couch, were among her earliest mentors. They taught her to focus on solutions rather than problems, emphasizing the importance of persistence in both life and learning. Education, she realized, was the ultimate solution—a pathway to opportunities that could transform not just her life, but the lives of those around her. Her teachers at Sacred Heart deepened this belief. Ms. Brown, Ms. Ruiz, and Ms. Mendoza consistently reminded her that knowledge wasn't confined to textbooks; it was a dynamic force present in every aspect of life. Their lessons not only enriched her academically but also strengthened her moral compass, shaping her into a humble, accountable leader.
Beyond the classroom, her peers and teammates taught her to savor the process of growth. They celebrated each other's successes and embraced the challenges of becoming the best versions of themselves. For her, this spirit of community encapsulated the essence of Sacred Heart—a place where collaboration and encouragement propelled every student forward.
When her teacher and college counselor recommended applying for the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship, she hesitated. Could someone like her, from a background of financial uncertainty, truly belong in an elite academic space? But Sacred Heart had taught her to embrace challenges, and so she applied. Accepted into QuestBridge’s College Prep Program during her junior year, she found that the organization’s mission aligned perfectly with the values instilled in her at Sacred Heart: supporting low-income, first-generation students in achieving their academic dreams. This newfound confidence spurred her to envision herself at institutions she had once thought unattainable.
Her research experiences, which included collaborations with Stanford neurobiologists and participation in UCLA’s neuroscience program, became a testament to her potential. With a passion for understanding glial cells and their role in curing neurodegenerative diseases, she realized that her work could address critical health disparities, particularly in underserved communities like her own. Inspired by mentors like Pamela Green and her family’s personal struggles with illness, she committed herself to making healthcare accessible and equitable.
Sacred Heart has given her more than an education; it has given her a purpose. Now, as she prepares to attend Princeton University through the QuestBridge scholarship, she carries with her the lessons learned from Sacred Heart’s halls: humility, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others. At Princeton, she plans to continue the work she started, leveraging cutting-edge resources to bridge gaps in healthcare and inspire future generations. Sacred Heart’s legacy of fostering leaders will live on through her, and she is determined to honor it every step of the way.