Tell us about yourself.

My name is Vanessa Martinez Arredondo, and I am a student at Mesa High and am a part of the class of 2025! I come from a Mexican mother and a Guatemalan father, and I am the youngest child out of 3. I am excited to state that I will be the first to attend college! When it comes to my hobbies, I have so many! I love exercising, drawing/painting, cooking, baking, playing the piano, french horn, violin, viola, cleaning, and spending time with friends and family!

I always want to be able to help others and seeing how Aliento works their butts off in order to bring change to an entire community, I wanted to be able to stand behind them and help with whatever I can, regardless of being in highschool. I want to be able to make that change through voting and getting involved in things most of our generation doesn’t do anymore. My generation has the power to make a change and by taking on this long term work, we can get through community issues and therefore see progress.

My first encounter with Aliento was through a former Fellow, Betsy Arcos! She came up to me one day and invited me to the Education Day training. Not knowing what it was, I was hesitant at first, but after Betsy explained to me policies we were educating legislators on, such as Repealing English Only, which was an issue that I was passionate about. I decided why not take leadership? So, I went! It was something that I will never forget as when I met everyone there, everyone was so welcoming by encouraging me to ask questions, offer new ideas, and offering me positive energy!

Why does the work we are doing matter to you?

Currently as an EVIT student, a college technical program to advance in high school, I have been blind to the reality of the paths of others who finish their programs. I initially thought that everyone who went to EVIT would get to move on and progress in their desired career because most graduating students go on to get licensing in their respective fields. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the case for undocumented students. During an Aliento Club meeting at my school, I was told the harsh fate for some who finish EVIT. Undocumented students, because of their status, and despite working hard, can’t continue their career path even after going through the stress of the college prep program. For this matter, Occupational License for All is something that is dear to my heart and something I will continue to educate others and speak on.

What moments from the fellowship are you most proud of?

Aliento’s Fellowship not only has given me a harsh reality of the real world, but it has also given me hope and knowledge to bring out change to my community. It has given me a community to lean on when things get tough. It has taught me valuable lessons, such as getting the courage to educate others by speaking up, and also the importance of being vulnerable with others in my community.

During my time at the fellowship, I have learned to better communicate with people, such as our legislators. I learned to enhance critical thinking skills when it comes to communicating with people, including legislators, by analyzing body language and tone of voice indicating their support. And, I learned about ways to outreach and connect with people through planning various events like Arts and Healing workshops.

How did Education Day impact you?

Education Day has helped me see that when it comes to issues that seem to be “out of reach” for our community, it's not something that cannot be accomplished. Learning about Prop 308’s issues and seeing that people who supported it were at the time, “outnumbered,” through the process of educating others and humanzing issues, Prop 308 passed. Issues like these have given me hope and have shown me that most legislators from Education Day are open for discussion and our views even if they are different, which is something I appreciate from them.

What is a moment from the fellowship outside of E-day that really impacted you?

Our cohort meeting in April was one that has stayed ingrained in me. Compared to the other cohort meetings, this one in particular has shown me how much policies can impact an individual, including my fellow cohort. During this meeting, Aliento Fellows shared stories about the fear from the upcoming elections that can impact them and their families. Their families’ stories, resonating with my own, will continue to motivate me to do more for my community.

How would you describe this fellowship to someone who is looking to apply?

Aliento’s Fellowship will offer you a huge welcoming aura. Think of it as a place that seems so familiar with familiar people. You feel like you can talk to one another about anything that needs to be out of your system. My biggest advice for this fellowship is don’t take the memories for granted. Cherish all the memories you make with your fellow peers and go to as many events as you can!

What’s next for you?

After graduating, I am hoping to finish my DVM prerequisites in order to apply for the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. My ultimate dream is to be able to become a veterinarian by the age of 19 or 20 and travel around the countries like Mexico and Guatemala to help these poor animals and give them a better life. I want to work hard to be able to give affordable medicine to animals in need. Moreover, I definitely want to give back to my family and be able to provide and spoil them to the ends of the Earth. My family has given up so much for me in order to flourish and succeed and I won’t take the opportunity they gave me by coming to this country for granted.