EPISD Student Spotlight: Erik Corralejo
(BURGES HIGH SCHOOL -- March 8, 2021) — Burges senior Erik Corralejo’s passion for dance keeps him going during the pandemic. The All-State dancer and Burges Early College student discovered his love for dance as a freshman and hopes to eventually study it at the University of Texas at Austin. Erik, who plans to graduate with both a high-school diploma and an associate’s degree this spring, is up next in our EPISD Student Spotlight feature.
EPISD: How are you staying motivated and involved in school during the pandemic?
ERIK CORRALEJO: Sometimes it is hard to stay motivated but something that always helps me is to explore different hobbies, whether it be painting or simply just doing some yoga to relax and pass the time. I also enjoy listening to music and discovering new artists. Once I am able to relax and compose myself, I feel better and it helps me get through the pandemic.
EPISD: What challenges have you faced as a result of the pandemic and how have you overcome them?
EC: I am blessed to say that this pandemic hasn't had a big impact on me like it has on others. My family and I have been staying safe and healthy and I am lucky to say that the biggest challenge I've faced is not being able to spend time with my friends. Even if we can't see each other in person, we have found different ways to stay connected.
EPISD: Tell us about your passion for dance and being part of the Amici Chorea Dance Company?
EC: Dance is fairly new to me. I started dancing my freshman year of high school and that is when my passion sparked. I didn't have any prior experience before high school and it is honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is a freeing and fulfilling experience to be able to dance along with my friends and it is a way that I express myself in the most genuine way. Joining the Amici Chorea Dance Company has helped me progress my skill and technique and has helped me grow as a person. Spending hours with friends and our beloved teacher, Mrs. Butler, has made the Burges dance room into a second home.
EPISD: How are you keeping your dance teammates motivated during the pandemic?
EC: It is hard to have everyone motivated because not everyone is experiencing the same pandemic. I truly think that the best way to be helpful and keep others motivated is to be understanding. We are all in different situations, so it is important to be kind and understanding which helps people feel good.
EPISD: How do you balance your academics, extracurricular activities and job during the school year?
EC: Balancing school, rehearsal and my part-time job can get tedious, but I definitely enjoy it. I'm the type of person that likes to stay busy and I'd rather be doing something and learning new things than have nothing to do. I just stay on top of everything and I don't really procrastinate. If I ever feel overwhelmed, I'll just workout or stretch and calm my mind for the next day.
EPISD: What are your honors and achievements in high school?
EC: The biggest honor I have received was being selected to represent Burges as Texas All State Dancer. I was able to take online dance courses from instructors all over Texas and learn more about collegiate level dance. It was a great experience and my hard work paid off.
EPISD: What are you doing to bring a sense of normalcy to school during the pandemic?
EC: I think the biggest thing that keeps things pretty normal would be the schedule. I still wake up at the same time and eat at the same time I would if we were at school. Just keeping that schedule helps it feel like school is just in a different setting.
EPISD: Where do you plan to go to college and what do you plan to study?
EC: I am currently waiting on an admissions decision from the University of Texas at Austin. I plan to continue studying dance and earning a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance.
EPISD: How is BECHS helping you with your future academic goals?
EC: BECHS has helped me with my academic goal by allowing me to take college level dance courses at El Paso Community College. I've been able to take about three courses and I have earned credits that will hopefully transfer over once I graduate. It has also helped my work ethic improve which has helped me with my regular high school courses as well.
EPISD: What is the first thing you plan to do when the pandemic is over?
EC: Hopefully I'll be able to hang out with my friends once the pandemic ends. It is hard not seeing them at all since we are used to seeing each other every day. Maybe even go on a little road trip and have some fun.
EPISD: Anything you’d like to add?
EC: I'd like to add the advice of not letting the pandemic ruin things for you, innovate ways to have fun and explore new things and enjoy yourself.