MAS Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight: Jesus Herrera

Composure can change the outcome of a tough moment. Jesus Herrera says that is one of the clearest lessons he took from high school, and it is a mindset he plans to carry into the future he envisions.

After enrolling at Mission Achievement and Success (MAS) Charter School in fall 2020 as a seventh grader, Jesus says he grew through the lessons he learned while playing organized sports and through the steady support he received along the way.

Jesus played for the MAS Bulls basketball team. Outside of school, he enjoys skateboarding and playing billiards. Through these activities, he says he learned humility in the face of loss. He also built meaningful relationships and developed the consistency needed to reach his goals.

When asked what he liked most about attending MAS, Jesus — fresh off his Student of the Week award for March 16–20, 2026 — pointed directly at his teachers.

“What I liked best about attending MAS was the dedication of the teachers. Their commitment to supporting students and helping us succeed made a significant positive impact on my learning experience.” 

That support helped shape how he approached school and the objectives he set for himself.

Jesus’s advice to incoming freshmen reflects the same steady approach. “I would advise incoming freshmen to stay focused on their goals and to choose their friends wisely, as both can have a lasting impact on their high school experience and future success.” He believes focus and the people you keep around you can shape your day-to-day experience and what comes next.

In his spare time, Jesus says skateboarding helps clear his mind and allows him to feel calm and relaxed. Billiards has also been meaningful because it gives him the chance to connect with people from other states. He says these interests support personal growth by strengthening focus and building social connections. They also support his mental well-being.

Jesus says one of the most important life lessons he learned in high school is staying calm when things get difficult. 

“Throughout high school, I’ve learned that maintaining composure in difficult situations can lead to positive outcomes.” 

He also says many things take time, so patience and perseverance matter.

After high school, Jesus plans to attend Central New Mexico Community College, where he will study construction management. Looking 10 years ahead, he plans to be a successful business owner and build a happy, healthy family. He also plans to own real estate in the community where his father was raised.

Jesus says he admires the rapper Lucki Camel Jr. (aka, Lucki) because he is a self-made millionaire who worked hard to rise from poverty to success. Jesus is inspired by the way Lucki stayed focused on his goals and did not allow distractions to get in the way.

When he is dining out, Jesus’s favorite restaurant is El Sarape, located at 3248 Isleta Blvd SW, here in Albuquerque. He usually orders Vuelve A La Vida, a flavorful seafood broth that he says he really enjoys.

Looking ahead, Jesus says he plans to apply what he learned in high school to make the most of the opportunities in front of him. That sense of focus, along with the patience he has developed, will continue to guide him as he moves into the next chapter of his life.