When Neomi Vargas talks about graduating a full year early, there’s no hesitation in their voice, just determination. 

“I’ve been pushing really hard to get to where I’m at,” Vargas said. “You have to put a lot of work into that. It gets really stressful, and you want to back out really easily, but you have to keep going.”

That perseverance has shaped much of Vargas’ high school journey. Graduating early isn’t just about academics; it’s about moving forward in life. 

“I’ve always had that draw to leave, maybe even another country,” Vargas said. “My plan is to study abroad, probably in London.” 

For Vargas, London represents opportunity, diversity, and a fresh start. She hopes to pursue international business or marketing, fields that leave doors open to many industries, such as fashion, film, or major companies.

But Vargas’ story isn’t only about personal ambition. It’s also about transformation through community. At San Bernardino High School, Vargas got involved with Students for Change, Life Skills, and the Health Collaborative. 

“They brought me to focus more on helping my community,” Vargas said. “I didn’t know I was able to help in different ways. I thought San Bernardino was just a small city, but there are so many events where you can give back, like food drives. I like handing food to people and talking with them. It really changed me as a person.”

Community work also shifted Vargas’ career path. Once set on the medical field, she even earned her CNA last summer, Vargas realized it wasn’t her passion. Instead, her experiences opened doors to new possibilities, like marketing and business, while teaching her the importance of service.

Vargas’s curiosity also fuels her love of museums. 

“There’s a story behind everything,” she said. “I like seeing how people bring their meaning into art, and then you get your own view. It’s beautiful.” 

That mindset, looking deeper and learning from every story, mirrors how Vargas approaches life.

Adventure, too, has been part of her growth. Once scared of new experiences, Vargas pushed herself to embrace adrenaline. She recalls the fear of climbing to the top of a bungee jump platform. 

“I was terrified. I kept thinking, what if this breaks? But my friend said, ‘If you never do it now, when are you ever gonna do it?’ So I did it, and I really enjoyed it.” 

That leap gave Vargas courage to keep trying new things, from travel to leadership opportunities.

Through the pageant, Vargas has also discovered leadership in unexpected ways. 

“I saw a lot of people stuck, nervous about their introductions. But over time, they got comfortable even crying in front of each other. That’s how wholesome it got,” Vargas said. “I think that’s part of being a leader, making people comfortable around others and sharing ideas together.”

Looking back, Vargas sees openness as her biggest achievement. 

“Before, I was self-centered, focused on myself,” she said. “But opening up changed me. If it wasn’t for me opening up that one time, I don’t think I’d be where I am now. Opening up made other people see me differently, too.”

As a representative of San Bernardino High, Vargas hopes to change perceptions. 

“People think where we come from is a disadvantage,” she said. “But it should be something you use to get further in life. If anything, you should prove them wrong, show them you can be something great.”

For Vargas, the future is about more than leaving, it’s about carrying the lessons of perseverance, service, and openness wherever they go. 

“Don’t be scared to open up,” she said. “That’s what helped me grow.