2025 Graduate Miroslava (Miros) De Reza-Sifuentes

Miros' high school experience was significantly impacted by her four years in the AVID program. She describes AVID as "such a strong community, like a family," recalling the shared joy when she received her acceptance to Yale. For Miros, AVID was more than a place to do work; it was a space where she found unwavering support and teachers who kept her on track. As AVID Club Co-President, she helped raise money for AVID scholarships. A pivotal moment was her first college campus visit to Sacramento State through AVID, which "solidified my dream of attending college."

Her journey reflects NVUSD’s Graduate Portrait—showcasing the impact of rigorous, real-world learning experiences and a nurturing environment where students are known, supported, and challenged to lead.

A Voice for Students and a Passion for Public Service

Miros' commitment extended into significant leadership roles. She was a participant in the Vintage Site Council, gaining insight into school logistics. Most impactful was her role as the Student Board Member Alternate for the NVUSD Board of Education. This direct involvement transformed her perspective, showing her that board members "care about students and everything they do is for students." This role "solidified my passion to pursue something in public service," particularly in education, as she "really enjoy[s] working with kids." She found working with student board member Riley Graden to be "a really great experience" due to Riley Graden's collaborative nature and praised the board members' welcoming approach.

Her experience is a testament to NVUSD’s commitment to student voice and meaningful participation in governance—central to our strategic vision of cultivating future-ready leaders through authentic engagement.

Academically, Miros chose AP classes based on genuine interest. Her passion for subjects like AP World History and AP Spanish Literature was amplified by enthusiastic teachers, fostering "meaningful discussions" that encouraged her to "think deeper about issues."

Yale Bound: Dreams Realized and Future Impact

Miros is thrilled to announce her upcoming attendance at Yale University, a "dream school" since she was seven. Although she later wondered if it was truly within reach, applying through QuestBridge—an organization matching low-income students with prestigious schools—made her dream a reality, leading to a binding four-year scholarship. She credits her mother for pushing her to apply to Yale "for your younger self." At Yale, she plans to study Ethics, Politics, and Economics, with a certificate (minor) in Educational Studies, and hopes to continue her French studies and study abroad.

While her exact future career is still unfolding, Miros is driven by a desire to help people and see tangible impact. She envisions herself as an immigration lawyer or working in public education/government. Her passion for immigration advocacy stems from volunteering at Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center, helping residents with citizenship workshops. "It's really cool to hear like all their experiences," she shares, driven by a lifelong desire to "advocate for others that don't have a voice."

A Village of Support

Miros expresses immense gratitude for the "village" that has supported her. "The teachers and the people that... work here [NVUSD]... they all play a part in shaping the students into who they are."

Her mom has been "the one that's pushing me," a "constant support system." Her dad serves as an inspiration for his "determination and... tenacity." Her two younger sisters, Lindsey and Audrey, are "light in my life" and "have so much faith in me." Miros notes that having people believe in her helps her overcome self-doubt.

In addition to her volunteer work at Puertas Abiertas, Miros has balanced her rigorous academic schedule with a job at the Napa County Library and volunteer work as a Napa County Student Commissioner for the Library Commission and a catechist for St. John's Catechism Program and more. She attributes her ability to balance everything to focusing only on activities she's passionate about and learning the crucial skill of "saying no."

"I'm just really grateful for my experience at NVUSD," Miros concludes. "I think it really shaped me as a person and I want to make a better life for everyone... But also... for the younger me."

Miros is a shining example of the Graduate Portrait at the heart of NVUSD’s new Strategic Plan—an inspiring reminder of the kind of student our vision aims to support and empower in the years ahead.