Editor’s note: This is the first installment of an eight-part series highlighting graduating high school students in Garfield County.

Glenwood Springs High School senior Gael Mondragon has spent his entire life in the Roaring Fork Valley, growing up in Glenwood surrounded by family, friends and faith. In his free time, he enjoys late-night drives with friends, pickup soccer, church, reading and relaxing on the patio with ice cream in hand. As he prepares to graduate, Mondragon is setting his sights on Colorado Mesa University, where he plans to study political science.

Here are his responses to the Post Independent’s graduate profile questions.

Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned during your four years of high school?
A: The most important thing I’ve learned during my four years in high school is not taking for granted moments that fulfill your joy, but rather appreciating and cherishing them. I constantly dwell on memories that have brought me joy throughout high school, whether it was acting a fool in the halls with my friends or scoring a hat trick under the lights at Stubler Memorial against our bitter rivals, Battle Mountain. I have learned to treasure these moments that define both the big and small milestones of my high school journey.

Q: What motivated you most to do well in high school?
A: My motivation to succeed throughout high school has been deeply rooted in my faith and the unwavering support of my parents. Both my faith and my parents are everything to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better four years of high school, and it’s all thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ. God has given me the wisdom, strength and love to maneuver and endure both life and academic challenges. He has also granted me grace to experience unforgettable moments that I will forever ponder in my heart. A combination of God’s love and my parents’ discipline has been the driving factor in my success.

Q: What will you miss about high school?
A: I will miss the tight-knit community that defines Glenwood Springs High School, where friendship is created by a lifelong bond. I will miss the daily presence of my friends and the shared laughter, whether it had been in the classroom or at school events such as the Friday night football games. However, what I will miss the most is the culture and the family-like bond we’ve cultivated around the Demon varsity soccer program.

Q: Where are your post-graduation plans taking you, and why?
A: I plan on attending Colorado Mesa University in the fall to pursue a degree in political science. My overarching goal in life is to help and serve my community to the best of my ability, and I believe that a career path in political science will potentially open doors for me to be able to do exactly that.

Q: What do you most look forward to in your future?
A: I look forward to creating my own legacy that reflects my values and the experiences I’ve gained along the way. Above all, I look forward to watching my friends thrive and succeed. Their achievements will always be a source of joy and inspiration for me, and I hope to contribute to their success just as they have contributed to mine.