by Delaeny Stevenson
Senior Kalissa Ortega, another distinguished student and soon-to-be-graduates owes many great memories, learning experiences, and friendships to her time with Minarets. Though she makes time for her volunteer work at the Fresno Bully Rescue, her primary passion has always been playing for the Minarets volleyball program the last few years.
Ortega has seen many personal accomplishments throughout her high school years, but she says her favorite has been being captain of her volleyball team. Outside of sports, she also explained that because of Minarets, she has “...made some amazing lifelong friends these past few years.”
There have been many who have impacted Ortega over the last four years, but she says her volleyball coaches have been some of the best mentors for her. “Coach Zamora and Stacie Wold have been the most supportive people I know,” said Ortega. “They are always there if I ever need to talk and have such great advice.” Ortega expressed her gratitude for their guidance and influence in her life as a player, as a student, and as a person.
Ortega explained that her favorite memory was actually making the decision to come to Minarets. In hindsight, she says, it has been an amazing experience. “If I wouldn’t have come, I would’ve never met some of my closest friends and my amazing boyfriend,” she says. With graduation a little over a month away, everything is becoming a lot more real for Ortega. She admits, “I’m super excited and nervous to start the next chapter of my life.” That being said, her personal philosophy is to, “Live in the moment,” rather than stress over things she cannot control at the moment. “Don’t go thinking or worrying about what you’re going to do in the future,” said Ortega. “Be in the present and enjoy every bit of it.”
Minarets wishes the best of luck to you, Kalissa!
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