Sleeping, trekking, but not driving — a Taos teen’s summer plans
School’s out, and hundreds of Taos County youth plan to enjoy the warm weather, free time and casual lifestyle of the summer season. One of them is Mariana Trujillo, 15, who shared her plans and ideas for a memorable summer 2019. Taos schools ended the 20182019 year on May 24. Her main goals: connect with family and friends without the pressure of homework and classes.
A Taos family
Born in Taos Aug. 6, 2004, Trujillo has lived in this area her entire life. Her parents Roberto Trujillo and Angelica Pacheco are raising five children; Mariana is the eldest. She listed her two brothers, a step-brother and a sister as follows: Roberto Trujillo Jr., 11, and a future sixth-grader at Taos Middle School; Elijah Romero, 13, a future eighth-grader at Taos Charter School; Jeremih Trujillo, 4; and Raylee Trujillo, 2.
Trujillo’s paternal grandparents, Leroy and Joann Trujillo, are active in her life. “They’re both retired, and they’re here for us. If we need rides, they’ll help us. All of us live in El Prado,” said Trujillo. The granddaughter in turn, helps her grandmother with cleaning the dishes. Maternal grandparents live in Chiapas, Mexico. Grandpa Raymond Pacheco is a farmer; Grandma Evelyn Pacheco works in a hospital.
How’s school?
Trujillo recently completed her freshman year and anticipates her sophomore experience. She said that math is her favorite academic subject. Another memorable area of study includes Food Science. In sixth grade, she studied the subject and then completed an advanced course in the eighth grade. In the food classes, students learned to make fettuccine, desserts and salsa. “Salsa is almost a staple in Taos. At graduation receptions, there was so much salsa, which was good,” said Trujillo.
Rising sophomore Trujillo already registered for 20192020 courses. She signed up for prerequisites: World History, Chemistry, Honors Geometry and English II. Her requested electives include Anatomy and Childhood Development. Mariana won’t know which electives she will get until the beginning of school. She plans to enroll in driver’s education during the upcoming school year. However, unlike students her age, driving isn’t her primary concern. “I like to be on the passenger’s side of the vehicle so I can sleep,” she laughed. “I love naps. Napping is great.”
Trujillo offered her view of future educational endeavors: “I’m excited to be a sophomore. I’m so ready to graduate. Being a sophomore is a step closer to finishing high school. I want to go to Colorado or Phoenix for college, but I don’t want to go away too far. I want to try to receive at least one scholarship to help pay for my studies.”
Outside of class
This past school year, Mariana joined the Taos Travel Club. She visited Iceland this past March and the world of travel prompted her to pursue future trips. Trujillo hopes to participate in the upcoming trip to France, Italy and Greece this coming school year.
Several months ago, Mariana joined the 8:30 a.m. Spanish choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe church. She also assists in the activities of the Santa Teresa de Jesus Chapel in El Prado.
Summer plans
“My favorite part of the summer is that I’ll get to sleep in most days. I love the warm weather despite sunburns. I plan to hang out with friends and family. Maybe I’ll get a part-time job,” said Trujillo.
Her plans include hiking, picnics and barbecues. She enjoys treks to Williams Lake and other areas. Trujillo hasn’t fished recently but enjoys going mostly in Eagle Nest or Hopewell. She likes to camp in Tienditas, on family land. Her father and grandfather currently built a house on the premises.
Friends remain very important in the life of a teenager. Trujillo cited Isaiah Martinez friends.
A few favorites
As far as Trujillo is concerned, potatoes are the best food because of their versatility. Her favorite color is blue-green turquoise. Trujillo consider herself an occasional, casual reader. She likes Kindle but doesn’t own one. For confirmation, her godmother Christina Garcia presented Mariana with the book “Following Your Holy Spirit.” She appreciates this book and recommends it to others.
Trujillo enjoys Netflix, especially mysteries, “The Originals,” “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Queen of Scots” series. Television viewing favorites include “SpongeBob,” “Criminal Minds,” “Forensic Files” and Lifetime movies.
Summer vacation remains conducive to students resting from their studies. Mariana Trujillo joins the ranks of vacationers and, like many students, she plans to use the free time to connect with friends, family and on activities of the season. Also like many area youth, Mariana plans to enjoy the warm weather until school begins Aug. 15.