Here at Ripon High, you might see this young, bright, bubbly spirit walking around campus (sometimes barefoot, but if not definitely in sandals). She’s one of the loudest and most spirited at school events or sports games. Carmen Simon, our 2019-2020 ASB President, is someone who will take the world by storm with her amazing energy.

Simon has accomplished many things, but as any teenager going through high school, learning, and growing in life, that comes with some obstacles. From getting eating too much junk food, losing loved ones, and maintaining focus in school, these are normal downs in life. These make her stronger, however, as they would for anyone else.

Dealing with hard times make her realize the good in things. She tries to remain positive and recognize how grateful she really is.

Last year Simon got into a frightening car accident, which was almost like a wake up call to life. No one was hurt (thankfully), and everyone involved could walk away from the accident. This event sent Simon into a minor depression, however, but almost in a good way. It made her realize life can not only change an incident, but to always remain grateful.

“It made me so sad, I was so scared to drive, it costed so much money to fix, and I was destroyed. It made me so upset, like thinking of almost dying… Yeah my insurance is expensive, but at least I’m lucky enough to have my mom pay for it, which I’m so grateful for. I’m also completely healthy and alive; You just have to think that everything could be worse,” Simon says.

Simon wants others to feel as if she is just like any other person. She faces ups and downs just as a normal human would.

“Sometimes I feel sorry for myself, like ‘omg things happened to me, so sad’, but I realized everyone has struggles and you have to deal with it. Just because you think yours is worse than anyone else’s, it’s just not true,”  Simon states.

Simon opens up about feeling a bit insecure a few years back. Explaining how her acne sometimes got the best of her, and she’d knock herself down for it. Dealing with body image is something almost guaranteed teens struggle with. With social media playing such a large role nowadays, it’s so common to compare yourself to others.

It’s clear that Simon is quirky and unique in her own way. Simon brings a lot to this school, and hopes everyone feels included. During my interview with her, she stated how next year at football games she wants all grades to be filled in the stands, cheering on the team. Her high energy and spirit is something that can light up a room. She brings a lot to the school’s tribe. Not only does Simon impact the school, but she loves having an impact on other’s lives, and providing advice to anyone who might need it. One piece of advice she’d give to anyone is this:

“The most valuable thing ever is reputation. I know it sounds dumb, but it’s the truth; That’s what majority of people know you by. Having friends, being thought of as a good person. To be happy, you need to be surrounded by uplifting people that make you stronger. Realize your pain will pass, and focus on the good,” Simon concludes.

Nothing seems to be getting in the way of her goals of going to UCLA, to focus on public relations or media advertisement studies. Simon would love to become a celebrity one day, and maybe even take up acting.

“That’s kinda crazy I know, but I’ve always wanted to pursue that,” laughs Simon.

You’ll see Simon next year at Ripon High as a senior. She’ll not only be focusing on her school work, cheering, and leading the school as ASB President, but most importantly bettering herself and remaining positive at whatever life has in store for her.