Once the senior class graduates, I always wonder where they end up and what they’re doing these days. This school year I’d like to showcase some of our awesome Triton alums!
Student: Ashley Ximena Dominguez-Marquez
Graduation Year: 2020
Current City: Austin, MN
Ashley’s graduating class didn’t get to finish their high school career like everyone before her. Their classes stopped mid-March, there was a mid-summer golf cart prom parade and graduation happened in the parking lot in their vehicles. But before mid-March 2020, Ashley got to experience a normal high school career where she participated in Link Crew, EARTH club, Art Club and Theater and many concurrent courses. One her favorite memories was on a service day when her advisory class was cleaning out the nature center building and found a mouse! She remembers, “it was fun to talk to some of my classmates that I never really got to talk to outside of advisory, trying to get the mouse out of the shack. I cherish this memory because I had a hard time getting along with my classmates but during the whole commotion we all laughed and worked together to try and get the mouse in a net.”
Ashley also remembers her two favorite teachers were Mrs. Wotherspoon and Mr. Felten. She shares that they taught her discipline and that learning doesn’t have to be boring. She had some of the best memories in their classrooms—study hall or class—and they always cheered her up. “I will forever miss the trunk monkey videos in Mr. Felten’s [class] and the mini plays that we had in Mrs. Wotherspoon’s. I always left their classes feeling like I learned something and also had a good time.” But she notes that her favorite classes were actually taught by Mrs. Swanson, anatomy and physiology, and concurrent biology. Ashley said she always looked up to Ms. Swanson despite how difficult her courses were, she always left with something new. “Ms. Swanson’s classes were the reason for which I chose to major in nursing.”
This is what Ashley is working on right now—getting her nursing degree at Riverland Community College. She is also working at Scooter’s Coffee, saving up so that she can transfer to Winona State University to finish her Bachelor’s in Nursing. In addition to helping her decide what to major in, Ashley shared that Triton helped her to prepare to face the adult world in a way that she’s not so anxious about the things she might be doing wrong. “Classes like Life on Your Own and Personal Finance have helped me so much in applying the skills that I learned in high school to my life now.” When Ashley thinks back on her high school career, she recognizes the opportunity that concurrent courses presented for her and advises current high school students to take those courses, especially the ones that pertain to their future career of choice. She also encourages students to get involved with clubs—even if they’re not ones their friends want to join—because it can open new doors and help students make new connections or friendships. “Make the best out of high school because it ends quicker than you expect. Laugh and make memories. Ask for help when you need to and remember to choose your own happiness.” It’s great to see that you have chosen your own happiness Ashley and are pursuing your goals! We wish you the best as you get your nursing degree!
