EPISD Student Spotlight: Brenda Mott, Silva Health Magnet
(SILVA HEALTH MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL -- April 19, 2021) — Silva Health Magnet’s Brenda Mott hopes to finish her senior year taking advantage of every experience that comes her way … and returning to campus safely for a last opportunity to interact with her peers and teachers. The Silva Ambassador and her peers launched the #staypositivetestnegative campaign to keep students motivated and healthy during the pandemic. See how Mott is navigating her senior year amid the pandemic in this edition of the EPISD Student Spotlight.
EPISD: How are you staying motivated and involved in school while online?
BRENDA MOTT: Some things I’ve been doing have been FaceTiming my friends so we can catch up on what has been going on in our lives. I’ve also been crafting a lot more than usual and perfecting my lettering. To be involved with my school, I’ve participated in the dress-up days my school has.
EPISD: What challenges have you faced as a result of the pandemic and how have you overcome them?
BM: I’ve felt a little unmotivated at times because I haven’t experienced my senior year quite as I expected but I don’t let that bring me down. I participate in as many activities as my school offers and interact with my classmates and dance friends as much as a can during class and practice.
EPISD: How do you serve as a Silva Ambassador during the pandemic?
BM: We started a movement called #staypositivetestnegative, in which we promote positivity. We’ve posted 15-second videos on Instagram that showcase the activities we’ve done to stay positive and healthy at the same time.
EPISD: What made you want to enroll in the pharmacy tech program?
BM: The idea of being certified right out of high school motivated me. I can be working at my local pharmacy practicing my pharmaceutical skills and vocabulary and attend college at the same time.
EPISD: What are you doing to make the most of your senior year despite the pandemic?
BM: I participate in every school activity that I can and try to interact with my friends as much as we can to motivate each other. My friends and I will usually FaceTime in the night and we do our homework together or talk about how our day went.
EPISD: What are your honors and achievements in high school?
BM: I'm part of Silva Ambassadors, member of National Honor Society, secretary for my Class Committee, in the pharmacy Tech program, and captain of the Silverettes dance team.
EPISD: How has dance differed in the pandemic and what are you doing to make the best of it?
BM: Learning dance and teaching dance online has been so different, it’s been a challenge but I’ve enjoyed learning and adapting along the way.
EPISD: What advice would you give incoming freshmen?
BM: Enjoy every single second of your high school experience! Participate in everything that you can! Join a team or club, you will make lifelong memories and friends. Some of my closest friendships have come from my dance team. They’re not just teammates to me, they’re more like my sisters.
EPISD: Where do you plan to go to college and what do you plan to study?
BM: I plan to complete my bachelor’s degree at UTEP and then leave El Paso while I earn my doctorate. I’m not 100 percent sure which medical pathway I want to pursue, but I’m currently thinking about obstetrics or anesthesiology.