Tulalip Heritage High School senior Mikaylee Pablo is involved in school activities including ASB, cheerleading, volleyball and the Tulalip Youth Council, yet still finds time to be a mentor to elementary students.
By Diana Hefley, The Herald
TULALIP — Mikaylee Pablo is a senior at Tulalip Heritage High School. Teachers say 17-year-old Mikaylee is always willing to volunteer her time to give back to the community. She is a good mentor to younger students.
Question: What is your favorite class?
Answer: My favorite class is probably Native Arts. I like drawing. It’s an escape for me.
Q: What activities are you involved with at school?
A: Cheer and I did volleyball. I am the ambassador for ASB. I’m on the Tulalip Youth Council. I’m the co-chair for the council.
Q: How long have you been a cheerleader?
A: This was my first year. I love music and dancing. I’m known for my dancing.
Q: How long did you play volleyball?
A: Two years. It’s a fun sport.
Q: What is the Tulalip Youth Council? How are you involved?
A: It’s a youth organization outside of school for grades sixth through 12. We are a group who works to better our community and make a better path for generations behind us.
Q: How did you get involved?
A: It’s held at the youth center, and I’ve been going there for years. I ran for co-chair. I had to write an essay and it was like a job interview. I help write the agenda and run the meetings.
Q: What kind of activities does the youth council take part in?
A: We helped name the skate park. We do community clean-ups. We meet with other youth councils and we’ve hosted other tribes here as well. We attend (Tulalip Tribes) Board of Directors meetings and are the voice of the youth.
Q: Why did you get involved?
A: My dad encouraged me to do it. My dad thinks me and my sister should be that voice and help make changes.
Q: How are you involved with ASB?
A: I’m the ambassador. I have to go once a month to school board meetings to tell them what we’re doing and what they should change.
Q: It’s sounds like you’re comfortable with public speaking. Is that right?
A: Not really. It depends on where I’m at.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: I really don’t know. I know I’m going to go to college. I don’t know where or for what. I’m leaning toward early childhood development or cosmetology. I know, those are totally different.
Q: What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?
A: At my house we stay home and watch movies. I like to hang out with my family.
Q: Do you have a big family?
A: A huge family. I have five brothers and I have four sisters. On my mom’s side I have 25 first cousins. It’s about the same on my dad’s side.
Q: What’s it like to come from a big family?
A: There’s always someone who’s going to be there for me. I know I’ll always have support.
Q: Do you go to school with many relatives?
A: I think I’m related to about 95 percent of the people here. I think that’s pretty cool. There’s always someone to eat lunch with.
Q: How would you describe your high school?
A: It’s a closely-knit family community. We are really close here. Students call teachers by their first names.