Despite being one of the most recognizable girls on campus, Alexis Cartagena isn’t who she may seem.
A senior cheerleader loud on the mat, known for her eye for fashion, and involved with different activities on campus has gained popularity not through that loudness but through her quiet confidence. Now running for homecoming queen, Alexis proves it just takes being true to yourself.
Alexis has been a cheerleader for all her four years. Since she was a freshman, she was always led through her seniors and now enjoys being able to be that leader.
The cheer squad plays a big role in Alexis’s life, “When I’m with my friends, I feel like no one’s watching,” she said.
Even though cheer season will soon come to an end for her, after high school she plans to cheer for UC Santa Barbara. She also wants to become a dermatological physician’s assistant in between cheering and classes.
Outside of the cheer uniform, Alexis is a fashionable girl. She views her style as an expression of who she is. “My thing is: look good, feel good.” Alexis enjoys switching up her style, doing her hair and makeup, and choosing who she wants to become.
At home, Alexis is the youngest and the only girl of two older brothers. Growing up with older siblings, she learned to become independent and be on her own, because she always felt like an only child. “I had to learn to always be by myself.”
Throughout the process of running for Homecoming Queen, Alexis has had to learn how to rely on others. Her mom has been by her side since the beginning, helping her overcome any doubt and stress, and always trying to cheer her up. “She really helped me and my confidence when I didn’t have a lot of confidence,” Alexis said. “And also Christian too.”
Christian Jason is running with Alexis for Homecoming King. Christian is one of Alexis’ closest friends. Having cheered with each other and experienced high school activities together, running for Homecoming was something else on their list to accomplish.
Both of them wanted to get out of their comfort zone. Talking to people to vote for them was something they wouldn’t normally do. “Its kind of been just me and him, like, this whole time.”
Looking back to freshman year, this wouldn’t have been something in Alexis’ mind. Now that senior year is here, she is ready to try new things and find new opportunities to end it.
Alexis has overall excitement being able to run with one of her best friends, but something that catches her eye with this experience is being able to drive around at the top of the Corvette during the Homecoming Parade.
