"The best part is when I see them succeed in it because that brings happiness to me that I've done well to bring them success," De La Torre said.
Vanessa achieved her success in spite of dealing with some tough circumstances at home. She's taken those difficulties and channeled them in a positive way with a mission to reach out to others who are going through similar situations.
"For those who don't know and for those who struggled with parents being separated or not having a support system there, De La Torre said, "that's my goal for the future. Hopefully in five years, I'll have my own non profit in the valley."
Students as well as faculty recognize the unique young woman they have in Vanessa. "When you first meet her, you think she's a little shy and she's just any other typical girl," ASB Advisor Rebecca Guevara said, "but she's not. She's caring and she gives back."
In a community that's faced its share of challenges, Vanessa's efforts have been part of the solution to make things better.
"If we work together to make the community better, we'll have more good success stories and more students and parents and anybody else who wants to succeed, they'll succeed," De La Torre said.
Cool Kid Vanessa De La Torre is leading the student body to brighter days and is certainly ready to do the same for her community and beyond.
