Seaside High Senior Patricia Cavero: A Passion for Leadership and Healthcare

Seaside High School senior Patricia Cavero is a shining example of resilience, leadership, and ambition. Originally from the Philippines, Patricia moved to the United States in 2017 at the age of 10, starting her educational journey in Salinas before relocating to Seaside. Now, as she prepares for graduation, Patricia reflects on her experiences at Seaside High and shares her plans for the future.

Patricia has fully embraced student life at Seaside High, making the most of the opportunities available to her. She has been an active member of the varsity soccer team for all four years and has twice served as team captain. In addition, she is involved in the Youth Leadership Council (YLC), which is part of the Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP). Her participation in leadership and extracurricular activities has helped her grow both as a student and as a person.

"I really like being a student here," Patricia shared. "I think being social and being a part of various clubs plays a huge role in that. You need to put yourself out there and join as many clubs as you can."

Patricia’s dedication to leadership extends beyond the school campus. She volunteers at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP), where she has accumulated over 100 hours of service. Through this experience, she has gained valuable insights into the medical field, solidifying her passion for nursing. As a member of CHOMP’s Health Career Academy, she meets monthly to explore different health-related career paths and learn more about the profession she hopes to pursue.

With a clear vision for her future, Patricia plans to attend community college for two years to complete her Associate of Arts degree while also obtaining her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse, and she credits her school counselors and career advisors for helping her find opportunities that align with her aspirations.

"My counselor and my college and career advisor have been such helpful people for me throughout my years in high school," she said. "They’ve given me so many opportunities to be a part of clubs and programs that will help me in the future."

Patricia also hopes to inspire younger students, including her younger brother, an eighth grader at Seaside Middle School. She encourages him and his peers to step out of their comfort zones, join clubs, and take advantage of leadership opportunities. Her advice to incoming students is simple but powerful: "Thinking about what you’re going to do in the future and building up your transcript will be helpful. Getting involved will make you more outgoing and social, which will help you in college and beyond."

As Patricia prepares for the next chapter of her journey, she remains focused on her goals while also reminding herself to take breaks and avoid burnout. 

"Some days I definitely have my lazy days, but I tell myself to take it one step at a time," she admitted. "Everything’s going to go your way if you just stay patient and work hard."

With her impressive achievements and unwavering determination, Patricia Cavero is a testament to the opportunities and support available at Seaside High School and throughout the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. As she continues her journey toward a career in healthcare, her story will undoubtedly inspire future generations of students to dream big and take full advantage of the resources around them.