Perhaps you can relate. During her junior year, Destinie Muñoz found herself in a mental health bubble.
She was taking AP classes, stressed about her future plans, and having a tough time outside of school. She was part of the culinary pathway and played on the varsity soccer team.
She also had the responsibility of being the oldest of five siblings. Being the oldest of five wasn’t easy for her. “I feel like I’m kind of the third parent,” she said. Since her parents were always working, she tried to take care of her siblings, helping them with homework and feeding them.
There was a lot on her plate, so she stepped back. She left the soccer team due to grades. Because of that she missed out the team’s journey to the CIF divisional semifinals and their overall successful season.
“Honestly, it was a little sad that I wasn’t there.” said Muñoz about missing the soccer season, “but I was really proud of them for being able to make it that far.”
Now, as she is nearing the end of high school, Muñoz is trying something new. She’s stronger and more positive.
Her younger sister also faces mental health issues. Seeing this has Muñoz stepping up to support. “I try to be positive around her, because I don’t like my siblings seeing that side of me. I try to be strong for them.”
Now Muñoz is much stronger than her younger self. She was able to play soccer her senior year. She is a business owner for flower bouquets and now ready to be prom queen.
And she has a support system, too. Since freshman year, being involved with the culinary pathway, she’s grown her friendship with her favorite teacher Mr. Buckles, who has watched her changes over the years.
“Destinie has matured into a great young adult,” said Buckles, “from being a freshman in my class that was shy to having her as a senior and able to speak up in class and be comfortable at anything she does.”
Muñoz sees her journey as a positive thing and is excited about her future. She plans to attend Valley College, then transfer to a university to major in communications.
Before all that, though, she is excited about prom night and the possibility of hearing her name announced as the next Colton High prom queen.
