AAA has been nothing short of a factory for courage, compassion, camaraderie, leadership, ambition, and transformation.
Before making the choice of attending AAA, I was stagnant. My self-confidence was low, my social-anxiety was high, and I was scared. However, after my grandfather passed away from hepatic cirrhosis, the realization, that I had to make the most out of this fleeting life, became ever-so apparent. So, I made that choice, to leave my friends and my old school, to pursue the greatness that AAA offers.
At the AAA summer meet & greet — an event that AAA’s wonderful mentor-mentee initiative offers — I met some of my closest friends. At AAA, we are all intelligent, dedicated, and talented students. But, what is special about AAA, is that all these individuals push each other to become greater. My close friend Andrew and my mentor Amaya inspired me to further dedicate myself to my studies and to start believing in my capabilities, and I did.
I began to excel in my courses, achieve great test scores, and challenge myself; and I became a much better and more confident student. I owe much of that to the wonderful faculty at AAA. Ms. Adams has given me very thoughtful advice and motivated me. Ms. Perez has always supported me and believed that I’ll accomplish what I’m set on. JB has pushed me to become a better student and individual and always work towards bettering myself. Ms. Estorino never fails to inspire me by caring deeply about all of her students. Ms. Orta and Ms. De Armas are always committed to making AAA better in any way that they can, and they helped me a lot. These wonderful teachers & faculty see their students and help their students in a way that is so rare. I was able to drastically shift from that one kid who would sit in the back of the class and just focus on assignments, to the person that is not afraid to share input or try for an answer in class.
Growing closer and getting to know my amazing peers at AAA inspired me to become more involved in clubs and SGA. Being surrounded by people who have uplifted and inspired me has motivated me to constantly give back in any way that I can. I’ve loved participating in club activities and organizing events, it’s been especially fulfilling to see my peers enjoy things I played a part in organizing. Being in these positions of involvement allowed me to grow comfortable speaking in large crowds, coordinating with people I’ve never talked to before, and contributing my ideas and efforts to initiatives that I care about. I was able to co-found the Fitness Club at AAA, and I had the privilege of working with SGA, Medical Club, and NHS as an executive board member. It has been a joy to participate in these communities that share a common interest in serving others. AAA truly teaches its students the pricelessness of service and compassion.
The junior-senior dynamic of AAA offers students the invaluable opportunity to be a mentor. I have had the privilege of mentoring some of the best people I’ve ever met, some of my now closest friends. And in doing so, I’ve become incredibly passionate about mentorship and advocacy for others. I’ve loved helping my mentees discover their self-worth. They have so much potential that they keep uncovering day by day, and I am proud to have played a part in their growth. I know my mentor felt the same way about me, and I hope my mentees will feel the same way about their mentees. This senior-junior mentor-mentee dynamic at AAA is so distinct to the school, and it is a beautiful aspect of AAA. In a time period filled with stressful classes and tests, a comprehensive college admissions process, and lots of personal change, it is important to have one (or many) helping hands.
AAA has been so beautiful and impactful to my life. I admit, I am very emotional leaving this school. AAA, my amazing peers, and the wonderful faculty, will all have a very special place in my heart, forever. I had so much fun, made so many beautiful memories, forged life-long strong friendships, and discovered myself. AAA was the best high school experience I could have ever asked for.
Joseph Delgado
AAA at FIU, Class of 2025
Duke University, Class of 2029
