Potential in Action: Meet Derek
About Me
Hi there! I’m Derek Roman, a rising senior at Capital High School (Go Eagles) here in the beautiful city of Boise, ID. Originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, my journey began with a big move to the United States at the age of 5. My mother and I relocated in search of better opportunities, and after initially living in Compton, we settled in Nampa, Idaho.
This blog is my journey going forward into high school from middle school, realizing what I want to do in life after experiencing a whole lot including being obese, being addicted to social media and technology alike, and of course depression developing after COVID-19s pandemic interrupting my first year of middle school. I want to share my experiences with the hope that others who find themselves in a similar situation can find inspiration and hope. If I could turn my life around in just two years, I believe anyone can do the same, regardless of age, income, or resources.
Until Grades 8 & 9
Adapting to a new education system was a significant challenge; I was enrolled early due to differences between the Mexican and U.S. education systems, which made me younger than my classmates. Learning English quickly became essential, and I was fortunate to receive support from my Spanish-speaking peers since the school didn’t offer dedicated English learning classes. As I moved through middle school, I found comfort in online communities where I connected with friends who shared my interests.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic turned my world upside down, leading to isolation and unhealthy habits, including a weight gain to 260 pounds, along with struggles with depression and a lack of direction. Freshman and sophomore years were particularly tough as the lockdown lifted and we returned to regular schedules. My emotional state was such that I aimed merely for a 3.0 GPA, with no real plans for college or scholarships, and considered entering the workforce or military. I spent most of my class time on my phone, scrolling through social media for temporary dopamine boosts. Although capable of earning all A’s, I lacked the motivation to strive for higher grades, focusing instead on taking the same classes as my friends and avoiding disappointment.
When school resumed, I focused on transforming my lifestyle by committing to a rigorous workout routine, hitting the gym six days a week for about nine months and losing over 60 pounds. However, balancing work and exercise left me with little time for schoolwork, causing my grades to suffer further. By the end of the semester, with a GPA of 2.8, I realized I needed to make changes. Despite improved habits and a better social circle, I felt unfulfilled and recognized that I had become a “screenager,” spending excessive hours on my phone and feeling lost.
Grade 10
Halfway through my first year of high school (which begins in 10th grade in my district), my English teacher, Mr. U, confronted me and eventually sent me to the vice principal’s office. Mr. U wasn’t just any English 10 teacher; he was, and probably still is, one of the most respected and strict teachers at Capital High School. The incident that led to this confrontation was relatively minor, but it involved a classmate, whom I’ll call Henry, who negatively influenced me. Henry seemed like a cool kid—he skated, attended the same middle school, and made everyone laugh. Naturally, I wanted to follow his lead because of his popularity. One day during a class presentation, Henry and I were seated together and repeatedly ignored Mr. U’s requests for proper behavior. After class, Mr. U asked us to speak with him and explained that our actions were unacceptable and that further violations would result in a visit to the vice principal’s office. We laughed it off, doubting he would follow through, as we had been led to believe he rarely did. My mother was upset when I told her about the incident and decided that I would spend the day with her while she drove my brother to his appointments as a consequence for my behavior.
Initially, I didn’t think much of it and occupied myself with my phone during the car rides. However, my perspective shifted during my brother’s music therapy appointment. I observed how the therapist began by asking both my mother and brother about his mood to tailor the session accordingly. They structured the session into 10-minute intervals, starting with his favorite game to lift his spirits since he had been having a rough day. As soon as the therapist began playing the guitar, my brother’s mood transformed; he went from screaming and whining in the car to dancing joyfully to the music.
Witnessing this change inspired me to pursue a career in music therapy. Having always loved music and played several band instruments, I realized that becoming a music therapist was my true calling. I then checked the admission requirements for the University of Washington in Seattle, where I had admired the campus, and discovered that a high GPA was essential. If I wanted to achieve my dream, I knew I had to drastically change my approach to high school to be accepted into the university and graduate without excessive debt.
Summer
That summer, I knew I had to change my habits. I joined clubs and searched for another job, as my only previous job had been fast food from 8th to 9th grade, which I quit at the start of my sophomore year because it didn’t make me happy—in fact, I felt depressed and empty. To improve my chances of being accepted into a university offering music therapy, I needed to build a resume that showcased my work ethic and community involvement.
To break my habits, I gave up my phone for the entire summer and only used it sparingly after the end of the first quarter. This was one of the most challenging steps because I was accustomed to using my phone for entertainment daily (rarely for communication, as I made plans at school). However, this change ultimately transformed me for the better in many ways. I joined my school’s cross-country team, attending morning practices and coordinating with my mother for transportation. I also became more involved in my brother’s sports program for special education students and sought out internship opportunities to enhance my resume.
I applied for one internship with a 4.5% acceptance rate, which was in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters. With a plan in place, it was time to execute it. Looking back, I do not regret my decision to go without a phone and run miles daily that summer. Without that discipline, I wouldn’t have achieved everything I added to my resume.
Grade 11
The school year began, and I became one of the busiest students in most (if not all) of my classes. I participated in two extracurricular activities during the same season, volunteered with two groups weekly, took four college-level courses, enrolled in two extra classes through asynchronous online school, and held two jobs during the first semester. Later in the year, I quit one job when I realized I was overworking myself. When I signed up for every opportunity that came my way, I knew I would feel an immense sense of achievement when it all paid off.
At just 15 years old, surrounded by peers who were capable but chose not to pursue similar paths, I realized how far I had come from my lost and stagnant state in 8th and 9th grades. Through these experiences, especially the challenging ones, I learned that I not only wanted to be a music therapist but also aimed to start my own nonprofit organization to help special education students participate in sports. To anyone experiencing burnout from school, work, or life in general, consider taking a three-month break to learn self-discipline or explore your passions—develop a realistic plan to turn them into a career. This approach worked for a 14-year-old who was once addicted to his phone, a stereotype often cited when discussing the perceived failures of the younger generation.
The Future
As I look ahead, my goal is to start a non-profit dedicated to supporting and advocating for the special education community in my area once I begin college. Initially, I was drawn to Seattle Pacific University because of my love for Seattle. However, after participating in the Student Leaders Summit with over 300 passionate high school students, many of whom aspire to attend Ivy League schools, I’ve realized that attending a music therapy program on the East Coast might better align with my ambitions.
The connections I made at the summit, even in just five days, have profoundly inspired me. I hope to continue nurturing these friendships and to benefit from their global connections as I work toward my goal of aiding the special education community.
In the coming school year, I plan to be more actively involved in my local community and in school clubs, and I aim to contribute to various non-profits in Boise. I’m committed to applying for over 50 scholarships to support my dream of studying on the East Coast and serving the community I will be part of for the next four years. Reflecting on my high school journey, I recognize that every challenge and triumph has shaped me into someone eager to pursue a meaningful path in music and special education.
Each experience has led me to this point, where I am excited to surround myself with like-minded peers, pursue my passions, and ultimately start a non-profit inspired by a local organization that has had an unexpected yet profound impact on my life. I hope my story helps you or someone in your life going through something similar to what I have had to go through.
-Derek Roman, Big Brothers Big Sisters Student Leader