Helen Penuelas
2020 BRO Scholarship Recipient
Helen Penuelas is a first-generation college student attending California State University, East Bay to major in Criminal Justice. The career she wants to pursue is the Behavioral Analysis Unit in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a busy high school student, she managed to be part of the Gardena Marching Band where she participated in the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) which is a competition for marching bands competing to see who has better unity and control. She also competed in Drums Across California (DAC) in which she battled many drum lines and has won in all sections. Even as a busy student, Helen still managed to be valedictorian of her law class and secretary of the Law and Public Service Academy, where her interest was sparked. In this academy, Helen was exposed to the outside world and experiences which she has not encountered yet. This academy geared her towards the major and occupation she wants by the fascinating educational field trips outside of school, such as the WLALA Power Lunch. Helen has taken advantage of going to court with the academy and asking officers and lawyers tips on what to study and take as a student who wants to pursue such a career. Although it’s challenging to achieve, Helen exhibits genuine compassion towards her primary goal for attending school, which is to aid others and become an FBI agent.