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The toy section is filled with many cars from different franchises, but he is pulled towards the ones from the movie Cars. The iconic story with the theme that having a successful life comes from loving others is what has inspired senior Diego Reyes, to be passionate about making connections with his peers.
“I’ve always hated when people said things like those are the cool kids or those are the losers because I always just saw them as people who I could be friends with,” Reyes said.
This mindset has only grown more this year as his impact has become stronger. Reyes is the president of LIA this year and has helped his community.
“I have had the chance to work with some amazing individuals and they have all had an impact on the Latinos in Action program,” Rhett Bird, LIA instructor said, “but Diego has found ways to make it more about the students taking charge rather than me.”
This leadership role has not only helped his peers and teachers but also himself.
“I like being able to talk to people who I wouldn’t talk to usually, because my role as president is to include everyone,” Reyes said.
While LIA is a major part of his life, Reyes has a bigger and stronger passion for soccer.
“My dad took me to play all the time when I was little and it really helped me connect with him and others,” Reyes said.
As a kid, Reyes played in little leagues and tournaments. Now he plays on the highschool team. Playing in highschool has helped him find some of his closest friends.
“We had a lot of fun last year, especially in soccer,” Alan Lazoya, friend of Reyes said. “We became closer and now we are better friends in LIA.”
Last year, Reyes sprained his ankle during a match. This accident impacted his mindset, as he was out for the rest of the season.
“I was already telling myself that I should be playing more in varsity, so when I got out it hurt a lot more,” Reyes said. “It wasn’t a big injury but I still wanted to play as much as I could.”
But Reyes remembered a quote from his biggest influence in life. His grandmother always told him that if he wanted something: he had to chase it.
“Thinking about that quote got me through my parents divorce, and it helped me become a better person,” Reyes said. “She loves everyone so I want to follow her and love everyone as well.”
His injury didn’t stop him from being a good influence to others in his community. Reyes believes that being kind and connecting with people often inspires others to do the same.
“I definitely think that he has influenced me to also start connections with people who I definitely would not have before” Lazoya said. “I’ve made more friends through him and by following his example.”
By being a kind person to others, Reyes has the strength to not only encourage himself but others as well.
“His biggest strength is his drive to serve others,” Bird said. “He wants to be better for those around him and works hard to make those supporting him proud.”
Coming into this year, Reyes’s biggest goal was to meet new people and get rid of social status. His role as LIA president is to include everyone who otherwise wouldn’t be included.
“Everyone is human, no matter your race, gender, beliefs, anything,” Reyes said. “I strive to be there for everyone, and one day I will be.”
