By Anneliese Duong
Inclusivity. Change. Passion. Principles that are so defined in senior Cielo Chavarria. Whether it be in a classroom, in an organization or in a community, she always finds a way for her voice to be heard.
Stepping into a room with posters that featured people of color, specifically social justice figures, Chavarria felt a deep connection to what would soon follow her for the remainder of her high school years.
Feeling the sense of diversity and the welcoming environment, Chavarria began her involvement in Baron Bridge Builders in math teacher Janet Marquez’s room. Home to Fountain Valley High School, the club aims to create a more loving and inclusive environment on campus.
“We organize educational activities to create historical awareness, cultural appreciation and improve student relations,” Chavarria said. “Each year, [the club] hosts “Day of Dialogue,” where experienced and expert speakers from throughout Orange County come to our campuses [to] educate students on a wide range of issues.”
Some teachers, such as English teacher Elise Hamilton, take their students to participate in “Day of Dialogue” to further understand ongoing matters in the world. Known to dive into subjects that revolve around gender, race and social justice, Hamilton brought out the best in Chavarria.
“I had her as a sophomore and she was the one that really gave me the freedom to explore social justice, passions and education,” Chavarria said. “We both serve on the Ethnic Studies Committee.”
As a student representative of the HBUHSD Ethnic Studies Course Development Committee, Chavarria takes part in creating an inclusive curriculum for the following school years. Intending to “not change minds, but open minds,” she hopes this change in the curriculum will influence future generations’ understanding of controversial topics. To Chavarria, being a part of the course development has been the number one change she has been involved with so far.
Looking over everything she has done for the community, Hamilton and Marquez knew Chavarria’s persistence and enthusiasm to try new things would reflect and inspire students.
“Honestly, Cielo is so well-spoken and eager to participate,” Marquez said. “She was a lead presenter in an implicit bias presentation that was attended by our entire staff [at the beginning of the school year]…She inspires me, her peers and the district.”
Although high school was a door for her to pursue this passion, topics of social justice have stuck with her for as long as she can remember.
“It’s hard to pinpoint a place or a moment where I am like, ‘Ok, this is my calling’ or ‘I’m going to act now,'” she said. “For me, I’ve always been interested and exposed to these issues and wanted to, or felt, an internal obligation to do something about it.”
A fire flickered. Coming naturally, she let this fire guide her to become who she is now: a social justice advocate with the intention to break down barriers in the community.
“Social justice is a lifestyle and it embodies what it means to be a decent human being. Those principles and values have been instilled in me by my parents and mentors at school,” Chavarria said. “That’s just the type of person that I’ve always wanted to be and it just seems to fit well within advocacy work.”
Being able to do such advocacy work was no easy feat for Chavarria though. Trying to make changes, trying to have conversations that opened people’s views or trying to hold workshops had typically been ignored or misunderstood.
“I’ve been made fun of and doubted a lot for wanting to have these conversations,” Chavarria said. “[It’s] comments like, ‘really Cielo? You’re always making it about race’ or ‘you’re always making it political,’ when really, it’s just the desire to make the community better and bring awareness to these problems.”
Those negative comments, however, never stopped her. Instead, it fueled the burning flame within her. To treat everyone with respect. To treat them with love. To be a good human being.
“In my experience as a Mexican American woman, and standing alone… you have to stand on your principles because it’s the right thing to do,” Chavarria said.
Except, since the beginning of Chavarria’s life-long journey, her parents have always been there for her with open arms whether it be giving advice or simply being supportive. As she further embarks on this road of advocacy, she plans to be a public servant.
“Whatever I do, I intend to maintain my integrity and maintain my principles to be a good human being,” she said. “So, hopefully, I’ll stay on that track until I die.”
To those who hope to join the hands of many students as advocates, Chavarria encourages them not to let go of their worth.
“It’s a mentality knowing your worth, following your heart [and] standing for what’s right. Social justice at the end of the day…for these ideals to be realized, you have to believe in yourself and live out those ideals on an individual level,” Chavarria said. “Don’t do what’s popular, do what’s right.”
This article was originally published in the 2021 RED Magazine. Stop by room 306 to pick up a copy.
