SACRAMENTO AREA, CA (MPG) - As their final year at Encina High School recently ended, Marleny and Mariela Garcia Lopez reflected on their journey from Guatemala to graduation.

In 2022, the Garcia Lopez twins underwent a drastic change in their lives as they returned from Guatemala to the United States and enrolled at Encina High School toward the end of their freshman year. 

Moving to another country was not the only adversity Marleny and Mariela experienced. A year before their big move, they lost their mother, which resulted in them dropping out of school. 

Marleny shared that she was ready to give up after day two at Encina. 

“It was hard for me. I did not understand anything,” said Marleny. “I would hear others talk but I did not know what to do.”

Mariela also encountered challenges due to the language barrier, as well as a lack of motivation. Mariela did not imagine herself making it to graduation; she was focused on learning rather than passing.

“It wasn’t until I saw other students graduate and all the end-of-year celebrations, it brought me joy but also pressure,” said Mariela. 

Through it all, the sisters were each other’s support system. While Mariela had her strengths in math and supported Marleny, Marleny supported Mariela by giving her a heads-up on topics discussed in the subjects they both took. 

While the twins received guidance from multiple Encina High staff members, school and community intervention assistant Juanita Gonzalez left a lasting impact on them. 

Gonzalez supported Mariela and Marleny through language barriers and navigating a new educational system. She was assigned to support the new Encina High students. Upon their arrival, Gonzalez helped the Garcia Lopez twins understand the school’s rules, communicate with their teachers and overall cheer them on.

Fast forward to their senior year and the Garcia Lopez sisters were recognized at their school’s senior awards ceremony. The students received a certificate from the President’s Education Awards Program in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement. 

Having adjusted to Encina High, Marleny joined the girls' varsity soccer team. Marleny played defense for the team for two and a half years but decided to leave the sport, as she had to prioritize her work. 

“I know that work is important,” said Marleny. “I know that I have to take on certain responsibilities as each year passes by, even if it means leaving one thing for another.” 

As first-generation students, the Garcia Lopez twins take pride and joy in completing high school and pursuing higher education. They will attend local community colleges and pursue a career as nurses. Marleny and Mariela have a passion for helping others and look forward to a career where they can do so.