Eli Guajardo, a hardworking student with a hopeful direction for his future. Thanks to playing tennis for his high school team that made it all the way to the CIF. He has shown that he jives with his teammates and peers. Eli has also been connected with people who affect his life today as he started tennis thanks to an upperclassman named Jose who has since graduated from high school. 

“I feel that the worst thing that can happen to you is that you feel lost with nowhere to go. I need more things to keep me occupied in my free time,” Guajardo said.

Many people don’t see the real Eli. Many people perceive him as just quips and laughs. However, Eli has plans for the future, most of which is to fully capitalize on his youth. He tells me that he wants to see the world and that his close friends realize that about him. 

“I have been thinking long and hard, but still it’s okay to not have everything planned. Just let life be a guide,” he said.

His friend and fellow tennis player, Elena Gonzalez, tells me “Eli is a special person who wants to do everything at his own pace.” 

Eli looks forward to adulthood. He wants to “relax in the future” and explore the world and discover more about himself along the way. 

Just by looking at him you may assume that he only cares about tennis; however, tennis is a small part of his daily routine.  

“I have more going on in my life. I play games and goof around with my friends,” he said.

Eli has expressed that he is proud of his time management  and that he has the perfect balance between school life and after school activities.   

“I feel time flows freely through and that I am always on top of it,” he said. “There is nothing more awesome than feeling on top of all things.”

Eli comments on how much exercise he gets which goes along with his great scheduling. 

“I always feel the burn during tennis putting in more work than most,” he said.

Ryan Miranda, a junior and friend of Eli’s, tells me how much life Eli brings to a room and that he shines through more than most. 

“He just shines through bringing with him jokes and expressing his thoughts in real time,” Miranda said.  

Eli is many things to different people he has expressed his interest in other activities such as video games and media in general. 

“Im more than just goofy laughs… I need other ways to keep my mind free,” he said. “I am me… I don’t do much but enjoy life… just live one day at a time”

Despite everything, one of Eli biggest parts of his life is his activity of tennis. 

“I put a lot into tennis, more than simple classwork, tennis helps me keep my head on straight,” he said.

“I notice that he improved a lot over time. That’s what happens with hard work and good work ethic,” Gonzalez said. 

One thing that Eli remembers quite fondly is his participation in the tennis CIF games and, even though his team lost, he can always recall that memory for the rest of his life. 

“There is nothing more awesome than that game,” he said.

“To feel the way people see me. Maybe they don’t take me as seriously, however I still feel like I’m going somewhere. No need to wear a mask – all I have is my friends and family who see me as myself,” he said.

Eli also has another passion. A passion for snacks and food. 

“I love my snacks and food. I’m always on school grounds with a snack…My favorite are the golden oreos; they are the best.”

The ways in which Eli conducts himself might be unusual, however in his heart he is perceiving the world. He never stops being himself which in the end is all you need to succeed in life with a little hard work too. 

All Eli should be is himself even if he develops a demeanor that many people question. Eli developed over the years, he has friends and family such as his brother Abel who supports him through everything he has done. Eli spends time at home jiving with his friends in his room that ultimately makes up his average day. 

We just judge people from the first impression we get however people are more than that as people are more layered then what meets the eye without other quirks such as favorite food, activities and personal thoughts on the future. We can go without perceived notions of people as that is highly superficial and takes away from other traits. Eli is very kind as he is known for trying to make people more at home and feel welcome even if he doesn’t know them very well. 

The way in which Eli can go from tennis to video games and friendly chatter goes with the idea of having an open and flowing mind. Just how he wants it. In the end he just wants to “relax in the future.”