Youth Spotlight: Anet Estrada

By Monica Torres: Prevention & Community Outreach Specialist

Anet, a 10th-grade student at Battle Mountain High School, is a young woman whose determination reflects her desire to make her dreams come true and build a better future for herself and her family. She lives with her parents, who emigrated from Mexico, as well as with her siblings, forming a home filled with support, hard work, and shared goals.

For Anet, her greatest inspiration is her mother, whom she describes as “a hardworking warrior who is always there to encourage me to bring out the best in myself.” This example of perseverance has guided many of her decisions, including her motivation to apply for the Driving Scholarship—an opportunity she considers essential for reaching her personal and academic goals.

When I asked Anet about her main reason for wanting to learn how to drive, she said, “I wanted to learn to drive the right way, studying traffic laws and being a safe driver.” Thanks to the scholarship, Anet is taking firm steps toward independence: once she obtains her license, she will be able to get to school on her own, which will bring a significant change for her family. “This will help my parents avoid leaving work to take me, which will save time and money for all of us.”

When she is not studying, Anet enjoys spending time with her family, playing volleyball, and taking in the beauty of the mountains, especially skiing in the winter. She also has big plans for her future: in the short term, she hopes to earn her driver's license and graduate from high school, and in the long term, she dreams of studying Neonatology because she loves babies and wants to work helping newborns.

To other students who are thinking about learning how to drive, Anet shares an important piece of advice: “Driving comes with great responsibility. Our lives and those of others depend on our knowledge and skills, so it’s always best to do it following traffic laws and receiving proper training.”

Anet’s commitment, discipline, and vision reflect the positive impact that the Driving Scholarship can have on students and their families. Programs like this not only open doors but also reinforce the safety and well-being of the entire community.