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Kenia B Barrera

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: When Kenia Barrera learned the Foundation would assign to her an advisor, someone other than family and friends to help with important decisions during her high school career, she was overwhelmed with joy. “Having my advisor there by my side helped me grow throughout my time as a Young Scholar.” In addition to having a friend to talk to regularly, the program also allowed Kenia to participate in many activities outside the daily school schedule including online classes, internships, and YMCA programs.

Profile: When Kenia was asked by the Foundation what she most enjoys doing she immediately responded that she loves to preach. “Being a Jehovah’s Witness, that is my main work,” said Kenia. But in addition to practicing her religious beliefs, the Mexican native who came to the United States when she was ten, is an A level student in almost all her classroom studies, a student of history, and an accomplished musician. She jokes that she was born in the wrong decade as she loves the 1950s and 1960s, especially the early days of rock and roll. Kenia can even tell you about “the day the music died,” Feb. 3, 1959, and the death of the legendary Buddy Holly. Her teachers talk fondly of her and say she is a mature, caring and generous young lady. More than that, she exhibits leadership qualities of someone far beyond her 18 years of age.

Inspiration: She wishes everyone had a teacher like Valerie Voigt, who has been by Kenia’s side since fifth grade. Kenia said it best: “Ms. Voigt is one of the most inspiring people I will ever have the honor to know. From the beginning, she focused on my advancement in English and opened many doors for me through teaching me French and encouraging me to learn to play the piano. I’ve become close to her and I feel as if I’ve won a friend for life. I have actually.”

Aspiration: Her future is undecided although because of her strong science background and love for nature, Kenia is leaning toward meteorology and perhaps a position with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which oversees the National Weather Service.

Making a Difference: She is Advocacy President of New Global Citizens, a community service organization at her high school. On Saturdays, Kenia is active with fellow members of her faith community and preaches to neighbors in Phoenix.

Accolades: Kenia is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society at North Canyon High School in Phoenix. She won the International Baccalaureate Progress Award in 2009 and is a member of North Canyon High’s Academic Decathlon team.

Interesting fact: Kenia jokingly considers herself the “fifth Beatle”, a reference to the English rock band of the 1960s that revolutionized music. “I’ve almost reached expert status on the Beatles. I can tell people everything that happened with them, each of their movies, their hobbies.”
 

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