Senior Mariella Montes De Oca has spent her four years at HEHS involved in a wide range of activities. She’s been part of Girls Varsity Soccer all four years, as well as Girls Varsity Golf and Flag Football for one year each. Alongside sports, she’s participated in Best Buddies, iMentor, Hawk Mentors, Blue Crew, and Jedi Leadership.
Soccer has had the biggest impact on her high school experience. “I’ve had the same coach all four years, and she’s really helped me through high school,” said Montes De Oca. “It’s taught me how to work with different kinds of people and work together as a team.”
Her coach, Coach Dansdill, stands out as someone who has influenced her the most. “I actually quit soccer my sophomore year and came back junior year,” Montes De Oca said. “She was so accepting and supportive. She even encouraged me to try new things like track.”
Looking ahead, Montes De Oca hopes to major in biology or chemistry. She plans to become an orthodontist.
When asked how Hoffman has shaped her, she said, “We have so many resources here, tutoring programs, mentors, and teachers, and I know I’ll miss that a lot in college.”
Montes De Oca said her younger self would be surprised at how much she’s changed. “I used to be really short and super introverted,” she said, laughing. “Freshman year, I didn’t want to do much. Now I’m involved in everything.”
When people think of her in the future, Montes De Oca hopes they describe her as “nice, smart, and compassionate.”
She hopes also that everyone remembers that “hard work beats talent.” The quote reminds her that in all scenarios, even if talent doesn’t come naturally, hard work leads to success.
