This week’s Royal spotlight are junior transfer students, Gabriella Thompson and Marcelena Rau. You may have seen their faces in the hallway or in one of your classes, or maybe you even talked to them once or twice. But chances are, many of you probably haven’t had the opportunity to get to know them.   

Eager to introduce them, I interviewed each of them and was amazed at how interesting they are in and outside of school. Let’s get into the interview!

Q: What is your favorite thing about Rosary so far?

Gabriella: My favorite thing about Rosary is the fact that the classes are small so everyone in the class knows each other and the teachers can have more one-on-one time with you.

Marcelena: My favorite thing about Rosary so far is how nice everyone is! Everyone’s just been so welcoming since I moved which I really appreciate.

Q: What is one thing you’re really passionate about (doesn’t have to do with school)?

Gabriella: One thing I am really passionate about is track. I’ve done it for a really long time and came from a school that was top in the state, had athletes that were top in the nation, and was D1. So, I’ve been put at a high level and expectations for that, but I did have a bad knee injury and was out all last year. I have a lot to accomplish this year with winning league, making CIF finals and then masters, winning at CIF, and then going to state and hopefully placing or winning. 

Marcelena: Something that I’m passionate about outside of school is definitely music. I collect vinyl records, I’m a huge Swiftie, and I play ukulele and guitar!

Q: What school and city did you come from?

Gabriella: I came from Upland High School and live in the city next to it called Claremont.

Marcelena: I moved here from Beaverton, Oregon (which is right outside of Portland), and I went to Southridge High School.

Q: What are you most excited for between this year and next year?

Gabriella: I am most excited for the things my track team and I will accomplish, experiencing Red & Gold, being in a better environment, and making more friends that will last a while.

Marcelena: I’m definitely excited for Red and Gold! I honestly don’t know what to expect, but I’ve heard so many positive things about the whole experience from friends.

Q: What do you plan to get involved in at school?

Gabriella: I plan to get involved in Trinitas one day because I am a Thespian and was part of the Thespian Troop at my old school, but I haven’t gotten involved yet this year because I don’t have the time since it’s all outside of school.

Marcelena: I’m not an athletic person at all (lol), so I get involved at school through Mock Trial! I’ve done Mock Trial both this year and last year (at my old school), and I plan to do it next year too! 

Q: What’s your dream college and major?

Gabriella: My dream college major is Aeronautical Engineering at the Air Force Academy or USC. However, my top colleges are the Air Force Academy, USC, Princeton, and Syracuse.

Marcelena: Ironically, I really want to go back to Oregon for college. I’m totally undecided about everything college related, but I know I’ll probably end up somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. As for my major, I’m constantly switching between English, Library Sciences, Law, Teaching, or something completely different.

Q: What is something that makes you the most happy?

Gabriella: Something that makes me the most happy are my best friends no matter what mood I’m in.

Marcelena: Besides music, something that makes me the happiest is being with my friends and family. The main reason that my family moved here is so that we could be closer to our extended family, since both of my parents grew up in California. My ideal day is spent hanging out with friends and then going to dinner and ice cream with my family!

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Gabriella: If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, I would only eat street tacos with a Cactus Cooler.

Marcelena: If I could eat only one thing for the rest of my life, I would have to choose the new Panda Express beyond orange chicken. Panda’s orange chicken was always my favorite menu item, so it was absolutely devastating when I stopped eating meat and had to give up my beloved orange chicken. Just a few months ago, I heard that Panda started making a vegan version of their orange chicken and, in my opinion, it very well might be better than the original. Meat-eaters and vegetarians alike should absolutely run to Panda to try this as soon as possible. 

If you see Marcelena or Gabriella on campus make sure to say hi, and feel free get to know them better in person!