Perla may only be 15, but the Villa Park High School student already knows what career path she wants to pursue when she graduates in May 2021. She wants to be a pediatrician and is currently considering University of San Francisco, University of Washington, and University of Miami as potential schools.

What is something you are most proud of?

I’m most proud of my family because they support me in anything I want to do. I’m also proud of my grades in school; they might not be all As but I try my best to only get As and Bs.

Have you gone through any tough or challenging times? If yes, how did you deal with those challenges?

I deal with challenges by asking for help, never giving up, and having hope

What does it mean to you to be selected as a Girl on the Rise?

It means a lot to me because this can really help me in following my dreams.

What inspired you to want to be involved with Girls on the Rise?

What inspired me to get involved is knowing that the program can help get me where I want to be.

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? In other words: Why is the opportunity to visit your prospective colleges important to your journey?

It is important because each school has different classes and I want to know which one would be the best for a future pediatrician.

What schools will you use the funding to visit, and why?

University of Washington and University of Miami — I want to visit theses colleges because I did some research and they are really good schools for pediatric medicine.