Senior Stories: Atziry Olivares Guzman

Atziry Olivares Guzman, a determined and compassionate senior at Richfield High School, is on a path to shaping young minds as an early childhood teacher. This dream was sparked by her experiences working at a childcare center.

The achievement she is most proud of is her acceptance into Winona State University, a milestone she once thought was out of reach. She attributes this success to the unwavering support of Ms. Jastrow, her counselor. Ms. Jastrow’s guidance and belief in her potential instilled the confidence she needed to pursue higher education and realize her dreams. Atziry says, “Ms. Jastrow always makes me feel safe with everything and anything we talk about; I never feel judged around her…even though I’ve had a few tears in her office, she never lets me leave her office without having a laugh or a smile.”

If given the chance to meet anyone, Atziry would choose her grandmother, her best friend, and source of inspiration. Her grandmother's memory motivates Atziry to seize every opportunity and honor the dreams her grandmother could not fulfill.

If Atziry could travel back to any year, she would go back to when her mom was in school. “I would tell her not to come [to the United States] right now. I would like her to finish school and maybe get into college so she herself can have a good life. We were never in need of anything, my mom always made sure we had everything me and my sibling ever wanted. I just wish she lived her life the way she dreams of now before coming and having to work so, so hard for the things she wanted us to have.”

Atziry Olivares Guzman’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of supportive mentors. As she steps into the world of early childhood education, her passion and commitment promise to create a nurturing and inspiring environment for future generations.