Say hello to our inaugural class of teen advisers.
The CHOC Children’s Teen Advisory Council is made up of outstanding teens who are active in their community, committed to academic success, and support CHOC’s mission to nurture, advance and protect the health and well-being of children.
Being a teenager isn’t easy. There’s peer pressure, academic pressure, hormones, and college applications to think about. Sometimes it’s helpful to get advice from a parent or trusted mentor, but sometimes as a teenager you just want to hear straight from other teens, especially about topics that may be hard to talk about.
You’ll see these faces on our blog, and hear them on our podcast, discussing how they and their friends deal with common issues teens face, from bullying to healthy eating to stress management, and everything in between. From time to time they may be joined by a CHOC Children’s clinician or other staff member.
Today, they’re giving us a sneak peek inside their summer plans.
Alyssa Mercado, 14
This summer I am keeping busy babysitting for family and friends. I will be staying active by going to the gym, and training for the upcoming volleyball season. I am also maintaining my social life by meeting up with friends and hanging out on my free time.
Layla Valenzuela, 12
This summer, I will be playing volleyball, participating in a fun theater camp, hanging out with friends and traveling to Alaska with my family. Playing volleyball during the summer will prepare me for the next club season and help keep me in shape. Performing arts is near and dear to my heart, as is hanging out with my friends and traveling with my family. It’s going to be a busy, but very fun and engaging summer!
Heather Bisset, 14
I plan to keep busy this summer by playing tournaments with my club volleyball team, going to the beach and spending time with my friends, and studying for my upcoming AP European History class. I also hope to find a volunteer position at an animal shelter.
Carina Alvaro, 14
This summer, I will be taking geometry to advance in math my sophomore year. I will also be participating in several softball recruiting tournaments in hopes of getting committed to a university on a softball scholarship. For fun, I will be hanging out with my friends at the beach and going to concerts.
Cameron Macedonio, 15
Since I have no mandatory commitments over summer like summer school, I am keeping busy by socializing and having fun. We like going to the movies, going out to eat, and going to amusement parks.
Sanam Sediqi, 16
This summer I am keeping up quite a busy schedule. I am currently taking summer college courses including American Sign Language. On the weekends, I work as a body artist for face paint at Disneyland.
Zoe Borchard, 14
This summer, I’m working hard to get the most out of my break. I’m enjoying my camp counseling position. When I’m not a counselor, I’m busy working on my online health course for high school next year. I’m also traveling to Montana to visit family. Whatever free time I can get is spent reading, sketching or adventuring with friends.
