2025 Graduate Alexander Alejandrino

Alexander dove headfirst into high school life, eager to discover where he belonged. He joined a multitude of clubs, including the Creative Writing Club and Mu Alpha Theta. His passion for performance truly blossomed in choir and theater, where he sang, acted, and even had the thrill of performing a solo. "Choir has been like a family," he shares. This extensive involvement, he explains, was an "invaluable" learning process—a "fledgling bird" discovering its wings, experimenting, refining, and slowly finding its "true shape in life."

His artistic endeavors extended beyond traditional mediums. He poured hours into a unique 3D art form inspired by the game Minecraft. This niche passion evolved into a deep love for game design and storytelling, demonstrating his innate creativity. Today, he even takes commissions for his art online and volunteers for passion projects within the gaming community.

On the athletic front, Alexander fearlessly embraced sports. He started with wrestling, getting "hooked from the moment I won my first match." He then pushed himself to compete in badminton and cross country, achieving a wonderful fairytale experience by qualifying for the North Coast Sections. While an injury later sidelined him, he reflects positively on these experiences, crediting them with helping him get out of a tough place and affirming he'd do it again. 

Academically, Alexander challenged himself, initially adopting an "all or nothing" mindset. This intensity, while driving him to "fly as high as I could," also taught him a crucial lesson in junior and senior year: the importance of pacing himself. He likens it to Icarus flying too close to the sun. "Take your time, and don’t overexert yourself is what I’ve learned,” he wisely shares, a testament to his growth.

After graduation, Alexander plans to attend Napa Valley College, viewing it as the next step in his ongoing process of self-iteration. He feels his high school journey, particularly the "learning experience that came from out of the classroom," has uniquely prepared him. It cultivated his resilience, creativity, and valuable soft skills, teaching him to navigate tough times and do the best with what you have.

Alexander openly acknowledges the crucial support he received, particularly from Mr. Som and the people in the NVUSD Wellness Center. He shares that asking for help was initially difficult, often keeping to himself. However, he emphasizes that "it was all little steps, each person helping me pave the path to a road that I currently didn't know the path of." He also candidly speaks about living with ADHD, describing the challenge of focus and connection, yet proudly stating, "But I manage."

Alexander's story is one of persistence, creativity, and heart. He leaves high school not just as a graduate, but as a leader and a role model. We eagerly await his next chapter.