I had the opportunity to interview a standout student here at Santaluces. Alondra Falu-Riveria is a widely admired student. She is involved in many clubs and is always at every school event. Alondra is a senior who has made a huge impact on the community here at Santaluces.
Alondra is in Best Buddies, SNHS (Science National Honor Society), NHS (National Honor Society), Keyclub, Bring Change to Mind, and Boys and Girls Club. Out of those six clubs, she is an officer in four of them. Her highest positions are the president of Best Buddies and the vice president of Bring Change to Mind.
Best Buddies is an international organization that aims to make sure people with disabilities are included in society. At Santaluces, Best Buddies operates a club that ensures ESE (Exceptional Student Education) students are included in school activities and provides opportunities for them to form one-on-one friendships. As the president, Alondra says, “I plan what we do at meetings, plan events, give other officers tasks, email people, and report to the Best Buddies organization.” When asked what her favorite thing about Best Buddies is, she said, “You never have to worry about being accepted or what people think about you.” She contrasts this with life outside of the club, saying, “You have to worry about being accepted or what people think about you everywhere else.”
If you look around campus, it is obvious that Best Buddies is one of the biggest clubs. As far as events go, Alondra is really excited for the Best Buddies Snowball. The Snowball is a winter dance that Best Buddies plans for the ESE kids on our campus and the surrounding schools. “It is my first time planning it,” says Alondra, as it is her first year as president of the club.
Some other events Alondra is looking forward to are the Haunted House and senior prom. NHS and SNHS are hosting the haunted house again this year on October 30th for Santaluces students. Alondra is super excited as she is an officer in both of these clubs. She will help plan and set up the event. Alondra is also ecstatic for prom; prom is the most anticipated event for most seniors, and Alondra is no exception!
Outside of school, Alondra does Capoeira (kaa-puh-weh-ruh). Capoeira is a form of martial arts that originated in Brazil. Alondra described Capoeira as “fighting disguised as dance.” She has been practicing Capoeira since she was eight years old, and she says it “takes up 100%” of her time. When asked what phrase is often used in Capoeira class, she told me “vamos nessa,” a phrase in Portuguese which translates to “let’s go.” It is used by instructors and students alike. Alondra is an instructor at her Capoeira studio, but is always learning ways to improve and have fun.
Advice Alondra would give to her freshman self is concise yet valuable. Alondra said if she could go back to freshman year, she would focus more on her grades. Alondra was very involved in the community since her freshman year, but she wishes she had paid more attention to her education.
As Alondra is a senior, about to graduate, I asked her what her plans are for after high school. Alondra said she wants to “study education at either FSU or USF.” When Alondra graduates from college, she dreams of being a teacher.
Overall, Alondra is an excellent student. She is very involved in the community here at Santaluces, as she balances her time between clubs and Capoeira, while still enjoying her senior year with her friends.
