Precious Talavera, a senior in the Agriculture Science Academy (Ag Sci) at Tracy High School, is making an impact through her senior project, a requirement for all Ag Sci seniors aimed at creating meaningful change in the community.
Talavera’s project, was inspired by her family’s background and experiences, focused on supporting local families struggling with poverty by gathering donations for essential resources.
“Coming from a family with parents who were born in another country, I’ve seen how poverty has profoundly impacted their lives,” Talavera explained. “In Nicaragua, where they are from, poverty is very common in some areas and I wanted to connect this project to something I’m passionate about and meaningful to my family’s experiences.”
Talavera’s project involved collecting donations from local churches and distributing them to the McHenry House Family Shelter and Interfaith Ministries, organizations dedicated to assisting families in need. Talavera’s goal was to raise awareness about the struggles faced by many families in the community, shedding light on an issue that often goes unnoticed.
“I hope it raises awareness about the struggles that many families face and brings attention to an issue that isn’t often talked about enough,” Talavera said.
Through this project, she has gained valuable skills, particularly in public speaking while also facing obstacles during the journey, one was finding enough people to donate and truly listen to the purpose behind her project.
“I had to step out of my comfort zone to ask for support and communicate what I needed to get done, which helped me develop my leadership skills,” Talavera noted. “It’s been a learning process to capture people’s attention and encourage them to support this cause.”
Reflecting on her time in the Ag Sci program at Tracy High School, Talavera appreciates the sense of community it has fostered over the past four years.
“The people involved have become like family to me and I’m grateful for the stronger friendships and relationships I’ve built through the program,” Talavera said.
Talavera’s project not only supports families in need but also highlights her growth as a leader and her commitment to making a difference. Her experience has not only enriched her own life but also touched the lives of many within her community, leaving a lasting impact.
