Meet the Valedictorian of the Class of 2022!

Brooke High’s Class of 2022 never failed to make their voices heard, and now they are ready to be sent off into new heights with that confidence. Valedictorian Alexandra Guzman encouraged her classmates in her commencement remarks, “Make anywhere you go your space because I firmly believe each one of you will leave an impact where you’re meant to be.” 

We sat down with Alex to talk about her experiences at Brooke, and what she is looking forward to as she prepares for her first year at Yale University as part of the class of 2026. 

Congratulations on graduating as Valedictorian! What are your next steps?

I will be participating in this program at Yale called First Year Scholars that will help with the transition from high school to college, considering I am a first generation low income student. I am feeling both nostalgic and excited for this fast-paced move to campus!

What are you planning on studying at Yale?

I would like to explore global affairs or political science. Whenever I hear about the injustices happening on the news, it sparks something in me so I want to see what I can do to make a difference through social activism.

What was the highlight of your senior year?

I will not be able to express how glad I am that I joined theater! Especially the recent musical we did, In the Heights. I got closer to people in my grade, but also, to a lot of the juniors as well. I never realized that people actually looked up to me until they told me. Everything was so welcoming and warm in theater. We were prepared to make mistakes, laugh with each other, and help each other with scenes and songs. 

What surprised you the most about Brooke?

I was surprised by how close I became to my teachers. They are following my successes as I continue to grow up. Even my middle school teachers reached out to me congratulating me for graduating. 

How has Brooke prepared you for college?

Brooke has prepared me to handle the workload, has strengthened my time management skills, and taught me that representation does matter. Brooke also helped me be prepared to enter a predominantly white institution (PWI) like Yale because there’s not going to be people that look like me or relate to me everywhere I go. However, I know that if I look for the community, it’s there. It exists, and representation exists, and it’s something that is important to who I am and how I want to learn. 

What are your goals beyond college? 

Living across borders has been difficult because part of me is in Guatemala. So, I want to go back to see all my family members because it would be like coming full circle. I would like to thank them for believing in me. Ultimately, I want to use my Yale education to give back to communities who need it and make a difference.

Who inspired you to do well at Brooke?

I won’t be able to tell Ms. Brito enough how much I am grateful for her. She has looked out for me all four years of high school. I don’t think I would have had the confidence to apply to Yale if it hadn’t been for her support. 

Who would you like to say thank you to?

My mom and grandmother have been great examples for me because they showed me what hard work looks like through their values and determination. My mom always dreamed of my brother and I going to a higher education institution and doing all the things she wasn’t able to because of how different the education system in Guatemala is. Seeing my brother go to Boston University, changing majors, and pushing through has inspired me as well. 

What suggestions do you have for future Brooke?

To continue focusing on underclassmen in being college-ready, and making sure they have all their questions answered. Brooke students need to know that everything they are working for is not only for you, but for those relying on you and looking up to you. So, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.