Washoe Country School District
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Estrella Martinez's Profile
Reed Graduate Ready to Take on the World
Student: Estrella Martinez
School: Reed High School
With aspirations to become an event planner down the road, Reed High School senior Estrella Martinez said learning how to be self-confident has been a lesson learned inside and outside the classroom during her time in high school.
She soon graduates from the Sparks school eager to learn how to help others put on successful social events as she heads to Truckee Meadows Community College.
Estrella, 17, has been involved with leadership and theater for the majority of her time at Reed, participating in student council, playing key roles in school plays and even being cast in a public service announcement talking about the dangers of drugs.
“The PSA was about mixing drugs and how it’s a bad choice and the equivalent to being suicidal,” she said. “Everyone died in the end. It was really fun.”
Counselor Lynette Gardner called Estrella friendly and outgoing.
“We’re just real proud of her,” she said. “She’s there to support other people and I think that makes a leader. She’s more of a servant and quite wise beyond her years. I think that makes a leader.”
As a drama student, Estrella played key roles in Reed’s rendition of “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “The Whole Town’s Talking.”
But even with a full list of extracurricular activities under her belt, Estrella’s senior year started off somewhat rough. She was behind a few credits, but quickly made them up by taking Plato classes and committing to her homework. It was for this reason she couldn’t be involved in leadership this year, but Estrella said she learned her lesson.
“For a while I hated asking for help,” she said. “I finally realized it’s okay to ask for help and it’s not me being dumb and not being able to understand.”
Gardner said overcoming the challenge of falling behind demonstrates a maturity on her part.
“She had a slight step back, but we all need that in order to grow and mature and I’ve just seen an enormous amount of growth in her,” Gardner said.
Estrella said seeking help was one of the best things she did this year.
“Talk to your counselor, talk to your teacher,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. They will help in any number of ways.”
She’s also ready to take on the world without hesitation.
“I’d say watch out because I’m coming fast and I’m coming big!” she said. “I used to be the kind of person that if you were rude, I wouldn’t say anything. Now I’ve learned to stand up for myself and have confidence.”
