Eliana Argueta attended Sac High from 2001 to 2005, witnessing a major transformation during her time there. By her junior year, the school had transitioned from a traditional public high school into a public charter under the St. HOPE Public Schools umbrella.  The school’s new focus on providing specialized programs meant that some of her friends moved to different buildings on campus, but it also gave students a unique opportunity to explore their specific interests.

As an immigrant and English learner, Eliana focused much of her energy on language skills but also discovered a passion for art through the school’s ceramics program. She recalls the diversity at SHPS being one of its biggest strengths, creating an environment where she could build connections and feel a sense of belonging.

Eliana’s path to higher education began early. She started taking prerequisite courses at Sacramento City College halfway through her senior year at Sac High. That head start helped build her academic confidence. After working full time for several years in a mental health clinic serving the unhoused community, she returned to school in 2014 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix, all while continuing to work full time. Her desire to serve her community led her to earn her Master’s degree in Health Informatics at National University in 2021.

Today, Eliana serves in a community-focused role at HealthNet. As part of the Local Engagement Committee, she draws from her experience with community-based organizations to support the needs of diverse populations across the region. Her work is grounded in empathy, advocacy, and the belief that everyone deserves access to quality care and resources.

Eliana credits St. HOPE  Public Schools for laying the foundation for her academic and professional journey. The advanced and college-prep classes helped prepare her for the rigor of college and the working world. A psychology class she took at Sac High ignited her passion for supporting people through community services, which has continued to guide her career path ever since.

Some of her fondest memories from Sac High include sports games, pep rallies, and community events. For Eliana, they created a deep sense of inclusivity and school spirit. To this day, she remains close with several friends she made during those four formative years.

When asked what advice she would give to current or future St. HOPE scholars, Eliana shared:

“Your path does not have to look like anyone else’s in order to be successful. Life is not always a straight line like people think it is. There are a lot of breaks and challenges that many people are unprepared for. Keep moving forward and don’t stay stagnant.”

Eliana’s journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t follow one set route.  She has built a career rooted in compassion and purpose, starting with the support of her teachers and peers, proving that an unconventional path can lead to extraordinary places.