Jailene Arellano, a 17-year-old senior at Gilroy High School, is this week’s “Student of the Week.”
What inspires you?
My family and Hillary Clinton.
What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
AP Government because politics really interests me and Ms. Pratt is an awesome teacher.
If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
To reverse GUSD’s decision to ban the choirs from singing in religious venues. The School Board is a supporter of the arts and it should reflect this in its policies. As a choir member, I can attest to the fact that we work hard and deserve to sing in a place that isn’t just “adequate” but complimentary to our music. If we can read the Bible in our curriculum, we can sing in a church. We aren’t practicing religion. We’re practicing music.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
I would go back to our sister city Takko Machi in Japan. I went there two years ago and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Name one big challenge in your life right now:
Trying to finish my college applications while still doing all my homework for five AP classes. Oh, and having a job. I push my limits a bit.
What is your dream job?
I’d love to work for the State Department in a foreign embassy.
What are your three favorite things?
Coffee, Netflix and my family (which includes my dog).
Favorite book:
“Cat’s Cradle” by Kurt Vonnegut
What do you want to do after high school?
I want to go to a four-year university, work for the Peace Corps after college, and then apply for a job with the federal State Department.
Something that makes you smile:
Fast Internet
Top three most played songs on your iTunes or iPod:
“Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds, “Take On Me” by a-ha, “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
