Yatzil Gomez-Alegria

Year I Joined HSH: 2021

Hometown: Mexico City

Education: National Pedagogic University (Mexico), Bachelor's in Teaching of French as a Foreign Language; National Autonomous University of Mexico, Professional Certificate in Teaching of Spanish as a Second or Foreign Language

Why HSH? I fell in love with its philosophy, its vision, and, above all, its people!

What causes or non-profits do you support and why? I volunteer with Reading Partners, a non-profit organization that provides one-on-one literacy instruction to elementary school students who are behind grade level in reading. I truly believe that being a proficient reader is essential for a better understanding of the world around us, and that it opens up the doors to endless possibilities.

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? People are usually surprised when I tell them that I actually sort of hate hot weather and going to the beach. It seems a little out of place living in a city like Los Angeles.

What piece of advice would you give to a graduating sixth grader? Apply yourself and keep an open mind; people--including your teachers--might surprise you!