By Yasmin Bardales
Hempstead High School
Between working as a clerical assistant at an English-language learning school and her studies and activities at Westbury High School, 17-year-old Gabriela “Gabby” Escobar is hard-pressed for time. Yet she somehow finds the time to enjoy the company of friends and family.
Gabriela’s hometown of Westbury is full of strong community ties and vibrant festivities. She grew up in a household with parents, Gloria and Cesar Escobar, who taught her the value of hard work and discipline.
Rising senior Gabriela has made a name for herself as one of Westbury’s most active students: from soccer in the fall, wrestling in the winter to flag football in the spring and even taking an active role in multiple clubs such as Newspaper Club, Key Club, Red Cross Club, My Sister’s Keeper, Student Council, French National Honor Society and Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. She will be editor-in-chief of the Newspaper Club next school year.
Gabriela said her parents have been one of the biggest inspirations in her life. “I appreciate them deeply because they always want the best for me. They keep it real and offer advice on anything.”
Gabriela’s caring nature is evident to those she spends time with. Santiago Sosa, said “Gabriela is one of my closest friends who has always been there for me in both my highs and lows.”
While considering possible careers, her school’s newspaper advisor recommended that she apply to the Robert W. Greene Summer Institute for High School Journalists.
Although she’s not sure about what career to pursue, “I definitely want to go to college,” Gabriela said.
She believes in the power of kindness and strives to be as open-minded and compassionate as she can be.
“I’ve learned to stay positive,” she said, “knowing that at the end of the day, I still have myself and that tomorrow is a new day.”