Written by Kasandra Cabrera

Ashley Lugardo is a girl who knows what she wants to do in life. She has a plan after high school, she enjoys helping others around her, and being a kind person.

Kasandra Cabrera: What do you want your generation to be remembered for?

Ashley Lugardo: I want my community to remember me as a helpful person to the people around me. 

KC: What is your favorite memory? 

AL: My favorite memory has been one of me and my friends, where we went to the fair, and we had just a fun time. It was so enjoyable. It was so enjoyable and I felt free.

KC: What makes you different from the other young women/men competing today? What makes you the best candidate to win Miss Cardinal? 

 AL : I am able to show my ambition really easily. 

KC : What do you feel is one of your greatest strengths?

 AL: One of my greatest strengths? How to be very organized and having good time management skills, because I know how to time school.

KC: How do you deal with pressure and stress? 

AL: Listening to music and taking calm moments for myself. Having quiet time for myself so I can be alone somewhere to calm my mind or thoughts.

KC: What is the most important personality trait you have? 

AL:  Being kind to others and helping others out. 

KC: If you met someone from another country who didn’t know anything about America, what would you want them to know?

AL: I’d advise them to visit places like museums and beaches to experience American culture. 

KC: What does a successful future look like for you, and how do your current  plans align with that vision ?

 AL: My  vision of a successful future includes graduating university and medical school to become a neurologist. 

KC: What are you most passionate about right now, either inside or outside of school

 AL: Being passionate about my academic journey, and aiming for a career in medicine and getting my master’s degree and my bachelor’s degree.  

KC:  What accomplishments are you most proud from your time in high school?

AL: I’m very proud about passing AP US History because I enjoyed the class and the teacher was my favorite. Also when I first tried out for a sport. 

KC: What subject or class has been the most influential for you, and why? 

 AL : I believe my APU is history class because my teacher, Mr. Hinkleman, was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. The way he taught, I just liked his humor. He was just a good person. 

KC: What advice would you give to your younger self or to students just starting high school? 

AL: To not procrastinate because procrastinating is not good. It will stress you out, it doesn’t help you at all, so just be on top of things. 

KC: What is one thing you wish someone told you sooner ? 

AL: I wish someone told me to take honors classes sooner because during my freshman year I did not take any honor class – only math and I wish I took them sooner. 

KC: Who do you look up to, and what qualities do you admire in them? 

AL: I look up to my sister a lot, because I believe I get my ambitious from her because she loves to be successful. She will do anything it takes to get her where she is trying to be and I love that trait about her.

KC: What has been your most life-changing moment up to this point?

AL: Up to this point, the most challenging thing has probably been when my dad had to be hospitalized. I think that showed me that your life can change fast. It also showed me that I need to be more grateful for things even if it’s the little tiniest moments.

KC: Why is community service important, in your opinion?

AL: It’s important because it helps you connect with your community and also network with other people. 

KC: What is your favorite thing about San Bernardino/SBHS? 

 AL: My favorite thing about San Bernardino High School is the library because it’s chill and cute in there and I love it. 

KC: What is your “dream job,” and has that idea changed over time?

AL: My dream job is to become a neurologist. I’ve always had an interest in the brain so I feel like that is something I always enjoy doing. 

KC: Is there a cause you’re interested in supporting or volunteering for in the future? 

AL: I volunteer at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and I really do enjoy it. It’s one of my favorite things to do because I am Catholic so it’s a beautiful thing for my religion and I just love helping my community.