Passion is strong and a barely controllable emotion. For students and teachers at La Quinta High School, it means many things ranging from sports, grades, and hobbies.

Schooling and family is a passion for Itzel Vazquez ‘25, she hopes to achieve her goal of settling into adulthood after tons of school work.

“I’m hoping to get into college, get a career, and get my life ready for adulthood,” Vazquez explained.

Vazquez is a first-generation child, meaning she was born in the U.S. While her parents were both born in Mexico. Her parents inspire her to be a better student and give her goals to be the change in her family.

“As a first-generation [daughter], I want to be the first girl to go to college,” she said.

Ruby Rivas ‘25 is inspired by cooking, drawing, and painting. Rivas is fond of cooking new recipes and the finished products. She considers it a fun hobby.

“It all started when I tried food. Trying new recipes is an interesting hobby,” Rivas said.

Rivas is inspired by others’ style, by the world around her, as well as her own feelings and emotions.

“I enjoy painting, it gives me a piece of mind, and I like to let my emotions out. Drawing is everything I learn, everything I see everyday,” she said.

Rosemarie Chesebrough is an English teacher and she is very inspired by her husband. He had gone through seven surgeries in two years and hasn’t given up yet. She didn’t think she’d fall in love again.

“This is my second husband. I was in my 40s, I didn’t expect [or] want to fall in love again. He was just really funny and nice. I didn’t expect to meet the love of my life,” she said.

Carolee Barbee ‘23 had discovered a passion for helping in a children’s ministry at her church. It had become one of her favorite things to do.

“It’s been so fun helping out with the kids and seeing them have a great time,” Barbee said.

Her parents have been inspiring to Barbee. She’d want to be like them in the future. Barbee sees them as go-getters and people she looks up to.

“They are strong in their faith and patient. They are the people that I could only hope to be like in the future,” she said.