MAS Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight: Angel Enriquez-Lopez

“Focus on what matters now and don’t stress too much about the future.” That outlook says a lot about Angel Enriquez-Lopez and the way he moved through his years at Mission Achievement and Success Charter School. It is also a mindset that will serve him well as he works toward a future career as an art director.

Angel enrolled at MAS in August 2019 as a 6th grader. When he reflects on what he liked best about attending the school, he points to the community he found there. As he put it, “What I liked best about attending MAS is the family atmosphere and how everyone gets along and supports each other.” 

That feeling of support helped shape his high school experience and gave him a place where he felt connected to the people around him.

Soccer also played an important role in Angel’s personal growth. Being part of the team taught him the value of teamwork and helped him become more confident. It also encouraged him to be more open in the way he related to others while reminding him to stay true to himself.

His advice to incoming freshmen reflects the calm perspective he developed during high school. 

“I would tell incoming freshmen to focus on what matters now and don’t stress too much about the future.” 

Angel believes that patience matters and that students can learn a great deal about themselves by staying focused on what is important in the present.

Outside of school, Angel enjoys going on walks and mountain biking. He says these activities help reduce stress and feel more connected to the world. They also help him think more clearly, which affords him time to reset and stay grounded.

One of the most important life lessons Angel says he learned in high school is the importance of protecting his own sense of direction. 

“It’s important to stay focused on your own goals and not try to impress others.” 

He also says students should be careful about who they spend time with and focus on finding their own happiness instead of trying to please everyone.

After graduation, Angel plans to attend The University of New Mexico, where he will study fine arts as he works toward becoming an art director. Looking 10 years ahead, he plans to have a fulfilling and well-paying job in that field. He also plans to live about 30 miles south of The Duke City in Los Lunas on a large piece of land with a big house and a farm, where he plans to have a family of his own with two children.

When it comes to food, Angel has a clear favorite. He enjoys Slim’s Chicken, where he orders the Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bowl with a side of Banana Pudding.

Angel says he admires his mother because she has always guided him to understand right from wrong. He also admires her for inspiring him to pursue his dreams and find happiness. Along with that, Angel says his brother has been a steady source of support and has shown him the importance of caring for younger people and helping guide them.

Angel’s time at MAS helped him grow into someone who values patience and purpose. Those lessons will continue to guide him as he moves toward college and eventually becoming an art director, someone who oversees the look and style of creative projects while managing others.