Arisbeth Montiel (Photos courtesy Montiel)
Montiel, seeking new adventures in the great outdoors.
No fear.
Arisbeth Montiel is new to the Island, having moved to Whidbey in January and new to cheer, but plunging head-first into new adventures is something the Coupeville High School junior lives for.
“I have never done anything like this before, so it’s a completely new atmosphere for me,” she said. “I started doing cheer because I’m all about trying new things and cheer was something that completely terrified me, so I decided to give it a try.
“I really want to get the whole high school experience during my four years and not be afraid to take risks.”
Montiel is pulling double duty this fall, having also turned out for soccer, and pulls strong grades in the classroom as well, having been accepted to the National Honor Society.
She has a wide-range of interests (“I love swimming, reading, writing, traveling and singing! I love to sing. I come from a very musically-orientated family!”) and attacks her classes with gusto.
“I am a big math person. I really do believe math is fun!,” Montiel said.
While she’s new to cheer, it has been everything she hoped for, and more.
“I would have to say that the thing I most enjoy about cheer is the opportunity to interact with other girls my age, because we are all so different and we all have really cool ideas,” Montiel said. “It’s hard not to learn something new every day.
“I love how we are all like a family, always caring and helping one another. It’s awesome!”
Wherever she is, on the field, in the classroom, at home, Montiel draws inspiration from those around her.
“I believe that everyone I surround myself with has made an impact on my life,” she said. “I like to be around people who will help me grow and who will teach me good qualities that will help me better myself as a person.
“They are the ones who keep me grounded and humble even during the crazy teenage years where it can become easy to feel like you rule the world!”
Her heritage has helped to shape a great deal of her life, something for which she is grateful.
“I am Hispanic, so I come from a very close family. We are very united and supportive of each other,” Montiel said. “My parents are very hardworking people who have taught me to always set high goals for myself, and to always stay grounded.
“You are the architect of your own life. Today you are building up the kind of life you want to lead tomorrow,” she added. “My parents always give me great advice and that is just one of the so many that I like to keep close to heart.”
But it’s not just her family that has helped to shape Montiel.
“My friends have a huge impact on who I am. I’m still trying to figure out who I am and they put up with me during the different phases I may go through,” she said. “They allow me to be myself!
“Finally, all my school teachers and counselors, who are always there to motivate me to succeed!”
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