MAS Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight: Iommara Soto Guzman

Twenty-four. That’s the number of college credits Iommara Soto Guzman earned while in high school. To put that into perspective, an associate degree often requires about 60 credits, while a bachelor’s degree often requires about 120. That means Iommara is 40 percent of the way toward an associate degree and 20 percent of the way toward a bachelor’s degree.

Iommara enrolled at Mission Achievement and Success Charter School in fall 2019, in the 6th grade. She credits much of her success to the people around her.

“I met so many amazing individuals who were incredibly supportive throughout my journey and made my experience truly meaningful.”

She also appreciated a campus culture that treated reading as part of the daily routine. “Because books have always been a big part of my life, being able to learn while doing something I genuinely love made my time at MAS even more enjoyable and rewarding.” Reading, she says, helped her connect with other perspectives and build empathy.

Outside of school, Iommara spends time reading and writing. Writing gives her a way to express her thoughts and release her emotions. It also gives her space to explore creativity. Chess and volleyball also play a role in her day-to-day life. Chess strengthened her critical thinking and planning skills. Volleyball helped her grow socially and expand her circle.

Iommara’s advice to incoming freshmen focuses on confidence and self-care.

“Based on my experiences, I would advise incoming high school freshmen to always be themselves and not feel pressured to fit in with others. Staying true to who you are will help you build real confidence and meaningful friendships.”

She also encourages younger students to stay mindful of hygiene, since presentation can affect how you feel and how others respond. She says focusing on personal goals matters. She recommends staying calm when problems show up.

High school brought a couple of personal lessons she carries forward and wants to share:

“It’s okay to take up space and be comfortable in your own skin. I also realized that although some tasks may seem daunting at first, they often turn out to be beneficial, as the lessons learned from them become useful in many other areas of life.”

After high school, Iommara will attend The University of New Mexico, where she plans to pursue a double major in accounting and business. “I am excited to continue my education, build a strong foundation in these fields, and prepare myself for future professional opportunities.”

When asked about her future beyond college, Iommara says that 10 years from now, she sees herself moving toward financial stability while living in a way that matches her goals and values. She also plans to travel and learn about different cultures. Adoption is part of her long-term plan, and she wants to pursue higher education in English language, continuing her love for learning and personal growth.

Iommara says her mom remains her biggest source of support. She credits her mom’s sacrifices, and she says that support shaped her life in lasting ways.

When she is dining out locally, Iommara heads to Naruto Ramen ABQ (2110 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106). She usually orders miso chicken ramen with a side of pork fried rice. She also gets a cold Dr. Pepper, and she says the meal never gets old.

Iommara moves on from MAS with college credits already earned and clear plans ahead. The MAS community feels proud to have watched her growth and excited to see what she builds next.