Jasmine Jacques: Can you tell me about playing soccer?

Wendy Madariaga: Yeah. So, I’m playing right now. I’m trying out for the goalie position on the girls varsity soccer team. But, I usually play as a defender or striker.

JJ: I hear that you also play instruments. What instruments do you play?

WM: So, the longest instrument I’ve played is violin. I played that instrument for four years. I recently started practicing bass, electric bass, the guitar, and other instruments like piano. So, those are my main instruments right now.

JJ:  Which instrument would you say is your favorite?

WM: The violin, just because it has such a nice melody to it. I love the way the strings sound when I play.

JJ: Do you have any role models, like musicians, or just in general?

WM: Not as of right now, but I have a coach. He’s kind of my coach, but he’s also the after school program director. His name is Juan and he’s really taught me a lot, especially with the bass. He’s been motivating me to keep going.

JJ: I also heard that you like Kpop or you are a part of Kpop. How is that?

WM: I am part of the Kpop Dance Club. I’m not so much into Kpop myself. I was before high school, but I feel like as I grew up, I kind of left that place. But, I definitely enjoy dancing. I feel like I can express myself with it.

JJ: Why did you decide to compete for Miss Cardinal?

WM: So, I decided to compete for Miss Cardinal because at first, I was only supposed to perform for Kpop. But Jamie, Mr. Rios, he kind of called me and my teammates and told us he wanted us to run for Miss Cardinal. And, I thought that was such an amazing opportunity because I’m not a social butterfly. So, I’m not doing these things willingly sometimes. So, I feel like him giving us that boost of confidence made me really want to run for it.

JJ: Why do you feel like you are a good candidate for Miss Cardinal?

WM: I feel like I’m a good candidate because I really enjoy helping the community. I just really enjoy giving to them. It’s not so much just about winning a title, it’s about the things you get to do after that. So, I feel like that’s really what I’m aiming for, just being able to help the community.

JJ: What kind of stuff do you do for your community?

WM: I do perform outside of school. I performed at Arroyo and San G. I was under a foundation, the Dr. Sam Foundation. I love her so much, but I feel like she’s the one who really got me out into the community. So, I feel like just performing for people. Like it’s my way I help or just going out to charities.

JJ: What is your greatest weakness?

WM:  My weakness has to be socializing. I feel like I’m not a great person with that. But, I do try to get out of my shell, like I do try to participate. But, I do fall down in my confidence, when it comes to speaking or talking to others.

JJ: Do you have any advice on how to deal with that or what helped you?

WM: Honestly, just keep going, keep pushing forward. Do things you want, just do it. I mean, there’s nothing to lose at the end of it. You meet amazing people and you learn things from it. 

JJ:  If you could give your younger self some advice, what would that be?

WM: I would honestly tell her to get out more. I mean, don’t let things stop you from getting what you want or what you love. I mean, at the end of the day, you only have yourself. Yes, you have people that give you motivation, people who are always motivating you. But at the end of the day, you’re your own person, so you have to be the one to make those steps.

JJ: What advice would you give teenagers younger or the same age as you?

WM: I would give them the same advice, especially way more since it’s Suicide Prevention Month or week. I would definitely motivate them or give them the same advice. It gives them more to just keep them going because it’s an amazing world.

JJ: What is your favorite memory about your time in high school?

WM: My favorite memory will honestly have to be performing for the first time with my members. I remember I was nervous because it was my first time performing. It was my first time dancing in public. So, just doing that with being dressed up, it was honestly very memorable. So, I looked at it like it’s my favorite one.

JJ: Who do you think was your greatest support in getting you to who you are today?

WM: My teacher, my PSA teacher, Mr. Battle. He’s always motivated me, he’s always kept me going. There’s times where I just feel like I can’t handle it, but the words and the things he tells me really show me that I am capable of doing these things. He helps me put myself into that mindset that I can do it.

JJ: So, what do you plan on doing after high school?

WM: So, after high school, I plan on going to a four-year university at Cal State San Bernardino. I’m planning on studying to become either a nurse or a pediatrician, mainly because I care for children so much that I want to be able to help them and just everybody in need, like I just want them to be helped.

JJ: So, what goals do you currently have for yourself?

WM: My current goal is to honestly just open up, just open up and don’t let negative thoughts ruin me because I am very sentimental. I fall into depression, but I tend to just try to get away from that and go into happiness.

JJ: What do you plan on helping you get through that?

WM: I plan on just writing to myself really. Like, give myself little quotes. I love to read. So, just reading like motivational stuff or just doing that that I love. I feel like those will definitely help me reach my goals.

JJ: So, what are some overall things that you feel people should know about you?

WM: I feel like people should know that I’[m a very straightforward person in the most respectful way. If there are things that I don’t enjoy, I will tell you. Obviously not in a rude way, but I will let you know if something makes me uncomfortable. Although people might think it’s rude, I feel like if you come at it in the most respectful way, they will fix anything. I just want people to know that I’m such a kind person. I may not look like it sometimes because of the way I either present myself or like the way I express myself with my outfits, but I just want people to know that if they ever need me. I’m here. You may not know me, but I will literally listen to you. I will give you advice, like I am here if anyone needs me.

JJ: So, would you say that is another one of your strengths? LIke being able to listen and communicate with others?

WM: Yes, because I just love helping people. I want people to feel and know they are worth it. I want them to know that they are capable of so much.