Angel Castaneda

Clyde A. Erwin High School

What are your plans for your career?

I plan on going to collage and get a degree in diesel mechanics and at the same time get my real estate license

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I see this as an opportunity to enhance my personal skills for development of myself to later help me in life. I consider myself a leader and am always looking to grow myself and my abilities.

Kyla Christensen

Hendersonville High School

What are you passionate about?

My biggest passion is community service. I dedicate as much of my time as I can to providing for my school and community in various ways.

What are your plans for your career?

I plan on getting my bachelors degree in aviation, then going on to pilot school, and becoming an airline pilot.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

Although I do have a plan for my career, I am interested in learning about other possible careers to pursue. This would be a great opportunity for me because I am in my Junior year, which is a very important year for shaping my future.

Katie Cox

Western Carolina University

What are you passionate about?

For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for helping others in any way possible. I love volunteering and have been an active member in the community throughout my high school and college career. While in high school, I was voted president of our National Honor’s Society, which was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to organize and facilitate community service projects. Throughout my time at Western Carolina University, I have been able to continue pursuing community engagement by volunteering at the local community table and other faculty and staff lead events.

What are your plans for your career?

After all my years of school are over, I plan on pursuing a career as a criminal psychologist. I would be working within correctional facilities with the goal of reducing recidivism rates.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I am interested in this opportunity because the Land of Sky P20 Council is going to change so many lives. This council is working to create a more integrated and effective educational system that both the students and the community will benefit from. I want to be able to have a voice in shaping educational policies and practices that will directly impact the future workforce. This amazing opportunity will also allow me to gain insights and experience through collaboration with a diverse group of professionals and will allow me to cultivate expertise through unique professional development.

Taj Despotovic

University of North Carolina at Asheville

What are you passionate about?

Film and advocacy

What are your plans for your career?

I want to work in the film industry, PR or in social media.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I want to work in advocacy and get more experience in my field.

Nicholas Flores-Gomez

North Henderson High School

What are you passionate about?

Being a business manager and also becoming a real estate agent.

What are your plans for your career?

I am planning to attend college to study entrepreneurship/business. Hoping to become a commercial real estate agent or growing my fathers Landscaping business.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I am interested because in this opportunity it’s for those who are interested in many fields of study however I am looking forward to the business opportunity. This also gives me a little more responsibility making me manage my time more efficiently while learning and involving myself into an opportunity that will benefit me in my career future.

Shannon Gobble

Enka High School

What are you passionate about?

sports and setting myself up to have a great future

What are your plans for your career?

to be a pilot in the airforce

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I believe it will open more opportunities for my future and I love being a student leader to make my generation better and more successful.

Zoe Lee

University of North Carolina at Asheville

What are you passionate about?

Through communication guidance, interpersonal skills and experience I have gained a great understanding of the importance of connection. Whether that be through production of mass media, management and leadership within the communities I resign in or have identified with. High school journalism brought a sense of identity, personal growth and global perspective to my previously closed off and quiet self. Beginning the debate club for my high school was a representation to myself and my peers of the leadership and organization skills that I discovered throughout immersing myself within communities I surrounded myself with. Through academic work, I pushed myself to draw connections between myself and others as well as helping improve and/or create connections in communities that grew to benefit off of each other’s support and collaboration. My consistent work in food service may have been a small contribution to customers but the character that evolved from the development of a work ethic and social skills paid off in various areas that require and appreciate leadership and representation. My long-term goal is to stand as a voice for those I care about whether I go on to start my own business, begin a career in public representation or cover events through the transparency of my words.

What are your plans for your career?

A career in an organization that values and strives to create connections within communities and amplifies voices would be suitable for the skills I have developed alongside a position of leadership, an area of management, would be the goal I have in mind. I do however need much guidance and practice in this area of work that I hope to gain from this student ambassador position and my business management major.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

Becoming a student representative will put my foot in the door to becoming the leader I strive to be. Since beginning college, I have pushed to grab opportunities that will help me build on not only my experience, but my person. For others, my contribution would give communities the extra man power needed to achieve the goals and ideas set in place for a brighter future.

Matthew Lupo

West Henderson High School

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about helping others succeed as well as making sure every day I’m a better version of myself than I was the day before.

What are your plans for your career?

I plan to get my masters degree in automotive management and marketing and then work as a general manager in a car dealership.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I’m very interested in this opportunity because I’m always looking to challenge myself and build my skills. I also look forward to meeting other people that have the same goals and interests as I do so we can work together and reach our goals.

Rylee Maggard

Enka High School

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about the ongoing crisis of Alzheimer’s disease. As of right now, over 7 million elderly people are living with this disease today. These 7 million are not the only ones affected either, their family, friends, and any other loved ones are deeply affected as well. One of the most painful times of my life was watching my great grandmother, who I was very close with, suffer and eventually pass away due to Alzheimer’s-related complications. It devastated my entire family and me. Therefore, I am extremely interested in and committed to contributing and observing ongoing Alzheimer’s research.

What are your plans for your career?

I plan on going to a four-year college and completing a pre-med program. Following this, I will attend medical school and obtain my M.D.; I plan on using my M.D. to become a trauma or a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I wish to be a part of a community that not only listens to but takes into consideration the opinions and wishes of students and others in within said community. I believe it is extremely important to take everyone’s needs and wants into consideration.

Erin Mitchell

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

What are your plans for your career?

Bachelor’s of Accounting

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I was in student government all through high school.

Greysen Motley

Brevard High School

What are you passionate about?

I’m strongly passionate about the environment and also equal rights for everyone. I love volunteering because it helps others and I normally do environmental service or for a group of people.

What are your plans for your career?

I would like to go to UNCW for environmental science and marine biology.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I really like to do things that broaden my horizon of opportunities and it sounds like a unique one at that.

Aiden O’Donnell

Asheville High School

What are you passionate about?

I enjoy playing soccer, mountain biking, and building things. I have a passion for learning new things; from extreme pogo sticking and wakefoiling to solving rubix cubes and 3d design. As a mixed race person, I feel especially drawn toward programs and opportunities that ensure racial equity in every classroom. In my role as a Racial Equity Ambassador at my school, I am able to observe unjust things that happen in the classroom and talk to teachers and administrators about how to address those problems. I enjoy having conversations with people who have similar or different views than I do and I love discussing the intricate interactions of our social, political, and religious systems. What drives me is my willingness to absorb the information around me and to use that information to make decisions that help the world become a better place.

What are your plans for your career?

Since I am always looking for new things to try and new skills to learn, my plan for my career changes over time. I enjoy learning about the human body and the processes of the human mind. As I mentioned before, I also enjoy building and fixing things, so one of my interests is in biomedical engineering, as I would get to create machines/tools that would interact with the human body. Over the last year, I have become more involved with my school and school administration, while also learning more about the political side of the education system and I have discovered that I have a passion for public education. That passion is rooted in both my belief in racial equality and my strong support of democratic institutions. I don’t know what role in public education I could see myself fulfilling, but I am always eager to learn more.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

As a potential aspiring educator, I want to explore different career paths in the education field and I want to talk with teachers, administrators and employers about their jobs. I also want to learn about strategies that are targeted at promoting diversity in our workforce and community. I would like to understand the nuances of the interactions between our education system, our community, and our workforce. I would like to apply that knowledge to help address issues at a local level and help comprehend issues at a national level. This opportunity would allow me to discuss with community leaders in the workplace, education system and community. It would help me explore career paths while also allowing me to share my experience in my school and local community.

Jemma Richards

North Buncombe High School

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about serving others by giving them resources and opportunities for growth. Equipping others with tools and skills necessary to beneficial development is crucial to impactful leadership. A good leader celebrates this growth and continues to inspire themselves and others to achieve their goals in conjunction with living a healthy lifestyle.

What are your plans for your career?

After high school, I plan on obtaining a four year degree at a public university. I would love to pursue a leadership-based career and have often considered working in a public service or government setting; however, I have not yet committed to a specific field.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I am interested in this opportunity because advocacy and leadership are at the forefront of my mind in every aspect of my life. Encouraging others and striving to see them succeed and prosper is a constant goal of mine. Serving as a P20 Student Representative would allow me to achieve all of this and more, benefiting students from my school, community, and county.

Selah Simpson

Asheville High School

What are you passionate about?

As a six-year-old who once declared she “wanted to be everything” when asked about her future, my diverse passions have only grown stronger over the years. As a congressional debater on my school’s speech and debate team, I’ve developed a deep interest in political and social justice issues. Studying complex congressional bills and preparing for debates has fueled my passion for addressing challenges like systemic racism. If you were to ask me about my passions after winning the Debate State Championship my sophomore year, I would say, “I am passionate about ensuring equitable community development and supporting social justice initiatives.” In addition to my debate involvement, I have a passion for mathematics and sciences, with a particular focus on biomedical sciences. After a class period of biomed exploring the investigation, prevention, and treatment of diagnoses, I would say, “I am passionate about advancing healthcare and biomedical research, alongside my commitment to social justice and community impact.” At home, my passions reflect a personal vision for the future. I aspire to become a nurturing mother, to practice kindness in every interaction, and foster a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Ultimately, my diverse interests in social justice, biomedical sciences, and community well-being converge in a unified mission: to create a more equitable, compassionate, and inclusive world for everyone.

What are your plans for your career?

My goal is to graduate from Asheville High School and pursue higher education at either UNC Chapel Hill or Stanford University, majoring in Biological Sciences or a related pre-medical field. Following my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend medical school to specialize in anesthesiology or dermatology. While my primary focus will be on my medical career, I also plan to commit to community service and social justice initiatives. As a racial equity ambassador at my high school, I work to ensure that educators and staff create a culturally inclusive and equitable environment. This role involves hosting events such as the “Jason Reynolds: Look Both Ways” ACSF event and presenting data from surveys on the student experience of different races at Asheville High to various boards to improve the experience for students of color. Additionally, I volunteered at the Appalachian Mountain Community Health Center for two years, where I passed out free school supplies to children in the community and supported health education initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to integrating community service with my career ambitions, and I hope to continue similar initiatives in my future and bring this dedication to the Land of Sky P20 Council.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I am deeply interested in this opportunity because this organization’s mission to drive meaningful change by creating an equitable and innovative educational landscape is something I would want to see for my school systems’ future. I am committed to being an active participant in shaping a future where all students have access to quality education and being the change that I want to see. Additionally, when learning more about this organization’s goals and potential solutions, I saw how effective this organization is. For example, addressing gaps in educational accessibility and persistence through community engagement is crucial for ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. By closing these gaps, we can significantly enhance educational outcomes, improve career readiness, and contribute to the overall well-being of our community. Equally compelling is the focus on improving employer investment. By fostering greater involvement, raising awareness of relevant laws, and aligning training with workforce needs, we can create a more skilled workforce, support educational initiatives, and drive innovation across the educational continuum. This approach benefits both students and employers, ensuring that educational programs are well-aligned with the demands of the job market.

Shawn Ware

West Henderson High School

What are you passionate about?

I love learning about music and literature.

What are your plans for your career?

I have a few ideas but ideally I would like to become an apprentice for my father’s electrical company (Forge Mountain Electric). Another possibility is computer technology because I am well-versed in that space.

Haley Woody

Enka High School

What are your plans for your career?

My plans for my career are to go to a 4 year university to major in criminal justice and minor in a forensic science while studying psychology and crime scene processing. After college I plan to get on with a forensics department to further my career.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I am interested in this opportunity so I can have my opinion on issues that effect me heard.

Mary Grace Ziegler

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

What are your plans for your career?

I currently have my CADC-I, I plan to continue my supervision and continuing education. I am also a case manager at a local substance abuse outpatient program. I will graduate in Spring 2025 from AbTech, and I plan to transfer to UNCA to obtain a bachelors in psychology. Afterward, I plan to go to graduate school. I plan to continue work in the substance abuse/ mental health field.

Why are you interested in this opportunity?

I am interested in getting more involved in the community, and getting opportunities to learn more from community leaders.

Linlee Ammann

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

I am very interested in this opportunity as I am seeking ways to better serve my community on a larger scale as well as make a positive impact in the hearts of community members.

Ernesto Arellano-Perez

Buncombe County Early College

I’m interested in this opportunity because it is important for students’ voices and opinions to be heard by the adults in our community. Adults call the shots and make the rules but don’t have to live by them because ultimately they affect us students. I see this opportunity as a way to share my experiences and spread awareness of the racial issues in our school system to be addressed. I see these issues as a barrier for students of color because this discourages them from even going to school or wanting to continue their education. My ultimate hope for this opportunity would be to help inspire other students to grow and show them the possible pathways in life.

Agya Boakye-Boaten II

School of Inquiry and Life Sciences (SILSA)

This opportunity interests me because I have recently become fascinated with local government and the processes and actions that influence my daily life. I also recently watched a film about the history of black business in Asheville. I want to learn more about the economic state and advancements that can be made in the surrounding area.

Nataliia Chorna

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Regarding my personal interest in this opportunity, it’s a chance for me to connect with new people who share similar aspirations and ambitions. Meeting fellow students, hearing their dreams, and exchanging ideas is incredibly inspiring to me. I believe that by working together as Student Ambassadors, we can create a supportive community where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Katherin Cid-Hernandez

Henderson County Early College

I am interested in this opportunity as a way to expand my public speaking skills and to gain some communication experience as well. I believe that involving people in matters that directly affect them is extremely important. And I believe that with my experience as a high school student in the early college program that involves taking college classes I could provide a unique perspective. Also as previously stated I believe in doing things that might seem hard or are outside of my comfort zone. I think that this opportunity would definitely challenge me but that through this it will also encourage me to grow as a leader and communicator.

Citlally Diaz-Mar

North Henderson High School

I am highly interested in this opportunity as I had the privilege of being an ambassador last semester. Moreover, it felt right; I was in the right place at the right time with the right people. With the people who will take the time and consideration and hear my voice. I want to pursue a career that will allow me to give back to my community as it has done for me. Being a part of this program again can set me up with more connections and help me advocate for improvements for the whole county. Since last semester, I have not stopped my commitment to community work. I have been actively volunteering through the Boys and Girls Club at St Gerard Home and with the elementary schools in my area as a LEAD Ambassador at North. The financial aid motivates me even more to seek this opportunity as it is a huge advantage to someone from a low-income household. I was also chosen as a Youth of the Year nominee as a result of my great community efforts. Influential figures such as the mayor and superintendent were present, only strengthening my community ties. Although I did not win Youth of the Year, I gained experience, which is most important to me. Once again, this opportunity would give me the invaluable experience I seek.

Liliana Guapia

Buncombe County Early College

I took an interest in this opportunity because I see it as a pathway for me to use my voice, gain leadership, and communication skills to further help my community improve. Empowering youth voices is one of the most effective ways moving forward in improving the future. Ultimately youth voices should be heard because there is insight other generations might not have. The P20 Student Ambassador Program allows that to become a reality!

Wilson Jones

Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy

I am very interested in the opportunity. As I have said before I love leadership, it is one of my strongest passions that I work towards all the time. This opportunity to gain and refine my skills for leadership is one of the things I always keep my eyes out for. This would help me to grow and become the leader I want to become.

Kenny Malis

Henderson County Early College

Up to this point in high school, I haven’t participated in many leadership-related events so I saw this opportunity as a chance for me to improve my leadership skills and potentially add this to my college resume once I graduate.

Roselyn Estevez Menendez

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Because it will be my first extracurricular activity and it will help me get more involved with student life. I will be able to develop new skills in language and communication. It will allow me to interact with other students and learn from them. It will help me build my resume.

Christina Nguyen

North Henderson High School

I am interested in this opportunity because not only do I have the chance to improve my knowledge of education and the workforce, but I also get the chance to participate in proactive conversations with individuals/students with the same passion and interest as I have.

Kaylie Phillips

West Henderson High School

As a future teacher, I think it is important for students voices to be heard when it comes to their education.

Kaitlyn Raby

Mars Hill University

I didn’t know anyone who went to college so when I came in I had no clue what to expect. I ended up almost dropping out because I couldn’t afford it when I thought I could. I got lucky and got another good scholarship that allowed me to stay in school. I want to help those younger kids who don’t know anything about college so they can have a less stressful experience.

Aydan Shelton

Buncombe County Early College

Before I was fully interested, this ambassadorship was recommended to me by a friend after a student government meeting. I was aware of its existence, having seen it posted in our Google Classroom of resources before, but I had not planned to apply until then. I think that this opportunity could be a great opportunity to address my anti-social shortcomings head-on, while also being something I can take pride in that I did after. The fact that it also helps my community furthers the feeling that it is something that I should try to do, as well.

Douglas Swayze

Montreat College

I wanted to help make a difference in education by helping share what the students really think about their schools.

Jasmin Umanzor

Mars Hill University

Because I want to work with other people and learn more about the workforce and be able to help others who may not be too informed about the workforce

Katherine Wombwell

Montreat College

I am interested in this opportunity because of the time to hear other students’ thoughts surrounding the hot topics of our time. I think it is incredibly valuable to take the time to listen to other’s, and I feel strongly that by doing so, I can become a better leader and citizen as a whole.

Heidi Anugrah

Blue Ridge Community College

I wanted to become an ambassador because I was curious of how I could help North Carolina education become even better! I also want to gain some more experience in public speaking as well as professional networking.

Abigail Blankenship

Madison Early College High School

I want to share my experiences as a student with especially unique experiences, as someone with disabilities and who is graduating early from an early college program. I’ll be 16 as I enter college with an associates degree, and I want to contribute that unusual learning with people who could really use that perspective.

Cate Boyette

Hendersonville High School

I wanted to become an Ambassador to have a possible influence on any policy or decision that affects students and schools. I hope to have a greater understanding and appreciation for the work that goes into making these pivotal decisions after this experience.

Eleura Clark

Madison High School

I wanted to become a Student Ambassador because I thought it was a great way to share my voice and thoughts about what needed to change in education. I am a very outgoing person and I love having the ability to meet new people and learn new things. I hope to gain the knowledge of how to become a better leader and learn more about the obstacles that students in this area face so I can use that knowledge when I am a teacher later in life.

Citlally Diaz Mar

North Henderson High School

I aspire to be an Ambassador to amplify the voices of my Hispanic community in addressing educational challenges and advocating for women’s empowerment. Through this experience, I aim to enhance my professional skills, broaden my network, and contribute meaningfully to creating positive change.

Ella Estrada

Asheville High School

I wanted to become an ambassador because I wanted to be an advocate for my school community and help make my voice and my classmates voices heard. I hope through this experience I can share students perspectives to make our school and futures more successful.

Rodion Floresku

Buncombe County Early College

One of the main qualities that I hope to develop via this experience is leadership. I’ve had similar instances, such as being the student ambassador/tour guide for my school, and though those were valuable events I do not feel like there have been enough of these throughout the years to keep practicing. I also hope to leave an impact, by using these skills, on the educational system, since a major point of P20 as I’ve heard is working on improving its downsides.

Ashleigh Grieves

Brevard High School

I want to be an ambassador because my education is very important to me and I hope to impact our schools and help our rising students. With this, as a person who is very passionate about school, I feel as though I can bring my advice and discuss topic like these.

Marion Hawsey

Blue Ridge Community College

I love the community I am a part of as well as my school so anything I can do to build it up makes me feel very accomplished.

Emily Hazzard

Hendersonville High School

I joined to become an ambassador so I could share my veiw point with people who can truly help make a change. I joined to become an ambassador so my sister, who is a sophomore in high school, can have an easier time in the future following her dreams. I want this experience to be a learning point to see how other people feel, to learn what I can do to help, and to help others learn what my views are.

Lucian Iavorschi

Buncombe County Early College

I want to have a voice because ultimately the decisions made affect me, the student. I also want to express my opinions on matters regarding our educational system.

Kimberly Jones

Mars Hill University

I hope to be voice for adult students. What I hope to gain is the opportunity to share the voice of a black woman, mother, working adult, college student, and native of Asheville with commuity organizations to make a difference in the outcome students and the community.

Natalia López

Clyde A. Erwin High School

I hope to learn from other students their experiences in their respective level of school and identify common problems that I can help eradicate in my school with the support of my teachers and principal and share my own experiences as well

Stuart Maise

Buncombe County Early College

I applied for this opportunity in order to gain experience as a representative of my fellow students. Our voices are important and should have a great impact on decisions made about education.

Aaron Marquez-Cruz

Buncombe County Early College

I want to become an ambassador because I think it is a great opportunity that enables me to advocate for people who were not given the opportunity. Furthermore, being in a group of engaged citizens and self directed learners, will add value to our community since we will think of ideas that can sustain our learning environment. In addition I will learn a valuable skill set that involves self-reflection and perseverance as well as collaboration.

Taylor McHone

Enka High School

I wanted to become an ambassador because I want to give feedback from a students’ perspective on education. I also found it to be a great way to network.

Kaylie Phillips

West Henderson High School

I wanted to become a student ambassador because as a future teacher, I am very passionate about education. I am also excited to be able share my experience to help better our local education system.

Fanny Reynoso-Diaz

Asheville High School

I have an interest in the political field and helping the community around me more. Something I hope to gain from this ambassador experience is to learn more about what goes on in the community around me from shared experiences and what solutions we can come up with.

Michael “Hilton” Swing

Hendersonville High School

I wanted to become an ambassador because I always want to use my voice to make sure that me and my peers are properly represented. Another reason I wanted to become an ambassador is because I saw it as an amazing opportunity to further explore and understand the ways I can work with others to make education as beneficial and helpful as possibly for everyone in this region.

Eric Velez

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

I wanted to represent A-B Tech College because the school has inspired me to reach high for your goals and dreams. It is a wonderful campus with so much love and support. I am a non-traditional student so all this really helps me. I want to help the school send the message of education out to all.