by: Lina Castillon
As a child, Yerba Buena High School student, Yessica Ceja, was always very shy and introverted. As a result, she didn’t make friends easily which is how she discovered her love for books. Her love for books brought her a sense of belonging that made her feel complete and secure.
At 7 years old Yessica’s life got flipped around when her mother decided to move her from Santee Elementary School to Rocketship Mosaic. She had to go from living her life to leaving everything she knew in the blink of an eye.
This move caused her a lot of isolation and confusion. “At the time all I knew was my old school and my old friends,” Yessica said. “Making new friends and getting used to the school was a struggle.”
Since Yessica had so much time on her hands, she started reading. She would take out her book and read any chance she got. “For me reading was an escape from the real world,” she says.
Helium by Rudy Francisco is one of Yessica’s favorite books. “This book opened my eyes about life and made me realize that everything I give importance to right now is probably not going to matter later on in life,” says Yessica.
She found this book so interesting she read it 4 times in one day. She felt as if it spoke to her.
Yessica now has a really close friend in her life. She met Mily in the 6th grade and they’ve been inseparable since then. Even though they don’t share a love for books, she’s felt a sense of acceptance throughout their friendship.
“What‘s kept our bond so strong is how we’re always so honest with each other,” Yessica says. “We can be ourselves around each other and I think that’s what matters the most.''
Yessica now is interested in becoming an English teacher to encourage students to read and to convince them that reading isn’t what schools make it be. How reading is a beautiful thing that can help anyone just like it helped her.
Yessica also hopes to volunteer in political events like rallies and protests. She wants to be able to make a difference in the world and let people know that there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.
As a child, Yerba Buena High School student, Yessica Ceja, was always very shy and introverted. As a result, she didn’t make friends easily which is how she discovered her love for books. Her love for books brought her a sense of belonging that made her feel complete and secure.
At 7 years old Yessica’s life got flipped around when her mother decided to move her from Santee Elementary School to Rocketship Mosaic. She had to go from living her life to leaving everything she knew in the blink of an eye.
This move caused her a lot of isolation and confusion. “At the time all I knew was my old school and my old friends,” Yessica said. “Making new friends and getting used to the school was a struggle.”
Since Yessica had so much time on her hands, she started reading. She would take out her book and read any chance she got. “For me reading was an escape from the real world,” she says.
Helium by Rudy Francisco is one of Yessica’s favorite books. “This book opened my eyes about life and made me realize that everything I give importance to right now is probably not going to matter later on in life,” says Yessica.
She found this book so interesting she read it 4 times in one day. She felt as if it spoke to her.
Yessica now has a really close friend in her life. She met Mily in the 6th grade and they’ve been inseparable since then. Even though they don’t share a love for books, she’s felt a sense of acceptance throughout their friendship.
“What‘s kept our bond so strong is how we’re always so honest with each other,” Yessica says. “We can be ourselves around each other and I think that’s what matters the most.''
Yessica now is interested in becoming an English teacher to encourage students to read and to convince them that reading isn’t what schools make it be. How reading is a beautiful thing that can help anyone just like it helped her.
Yessica also hopes to volunteer in political events like rallies and protests. She wants to be able to make a difference in the world and let people know that there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.