Gabriela Mata was one of 3 recipients of the National Hispanic Recognition Program at her high school. The award is one of four awards that the College Board provides to students excelling in academics. To be eligible, participants must have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher, must take a minimum of 2-3 AP classes, and score in the top 10% on PSAT/NMSQT.
Gabriela has been in our program since 2015 and is currently an Ace level participant, which is the top First Tee – Silicon Valley level in our program. She also volunteers her time as a FTSV coach for our younger participant classes. Her lead instructors rave about her leadership skills and her ability to positively manage her group. She has a charismatic approach and speaks to her students at a level they can relate to and feel comfortable with.
“FTSV has had a profound impact on me in terms of harboring a community of support and guidance that I believe is crucial to young people,” says Gabriela. “FTSV has given me a sense of responsibility and has introduced me to a network of people that I can rely on. The program has also taught me important life skills for the future, like goal setting and perseverance, that are more than applicable to life beyond the game of golf.”
When she is not at FTSV, she works for the Evergreen Library. She is also one of the lead students in her Community Development Student Planning Committee, which provides a space for students to learn and share their own mental and health experiences and struggles. In the committee she plans out events as well as identifies their keynote speaker. Additionally, she hosts a workshop centered on intersectionality and mental health and how race, social class, and gender affects access to mental health services.
Congratulations Gabriela on your well-deserved honor! We are fortunate to have you in our program and we are excited for your future endeavors.
