UCLA-Bound Locke Senior Reflects on High School, Road Ahead

When Keiry Valle arrived in the United States, she remembers how she lacked the academic confidence needed to excel in both English Language and Mathematics. But through robust academic interventions and a supportive learning community at Alain LeRoy Locke College Prep Academy, Valle jumped several math levels and won first place in our annual high school Ánimo Voices Writing and Art Competition. And this past June, she graduated at the top of her class. 

Valle is continuing her academic journey at the University of California, Los Angeles, with the intention of majoring in aerospace engineering, a critical component of pursuing her goal of becoming an astronaut.

As Valle’s path to success in college, leadership, and life becomes clearer, she has taken a moment to reflect on her high school memories, and how they have prepared her for the trajectory ahead. 

A: I am very proud to be able to graduate with only “As” even when I came here not knowing English.

I’ve been involved in student government for two years. I’ve also participated in a club called Health Strikers that focuses on health and its importance to students. 

After I graduate from school, I will miss my friends that I’ve met and formed a good relationship with. I will also miss my English teacher, who always believed in me, and my counselor. 

College means success. It’s the key for my future. It shows how hard I’ve worked to get here and how hard I will keep working to succeed.

My high school prepared me for college, where I learned new skills like public speaking. But I’ve been improving my skills, and will have to use them in college.  I know what I have learned will help me academically and socially.

I admire my mother because she is such a strong woman who would give up everything for those she loves. She really works hard and when she struggles she always knows how to handle the situation.