MAS Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight: Manuel Fierro

During his years at Mission Achievement and Success Charter School (MAS), Manuel Fierro learned one of the lessons that mattered most to him: meaningful goals and objectives take hard work and focus. After enrolling in August 2019 as a 6th grader, he found that MAS gave him both the support and the early college opportunities to start putting that lesson into practice.

Taking that one step further, one of the things Manuel recommends most to incoming high school student is taking Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) classes while still in high school through MAS’s dual college credit program. He believes those courses give students useful knowledge connected to their goals and objectives and open doors they might not otherwise reach until later. 

“I would advise incoming freshmen to focus on taking CNM courses, as they provide valuable knowledge related to your future major and offer learning opportunities that you might not have access to until after high school.”

Another part of the MAS experience that stood out to Manuel was the support students received when they needed extra help. He appreciated that if he was struggling in a subject, a tutor could be assigned to help him get back on track. That kind of support made a difference in the academic environment he experienced at MAS.

Basketball also played an important role in Manuel’s growth. He said being part of the team motivated him to maintain good grades because academic performance was required in order to play. The experience connected academic success with athletic responsibility in a way that stayed with him throughout high school.

Outside of school, Manuel enjoys exercising and practicing mixed martial arts. These interests have helped him build discipline and endurance, and he sees both as useful for the future he plans to create. 

“These activities help me build discipline and develop endurance, skills that will be valuable as I pursue my future goals.”

One of the most important life lessons Manuel says he learned in high school is that valuable things require hard work. He also learned that staying focused matters if you want to reach the goals you set for yourself. Reflecting on that lesson, Manuel said: 

“I’ve learned that anything of value requires hard work, and it’s important to stay focused in order to achieve the goals you set for yourself.”

After high school, Manuel plans to attend The University of New Mexico (UNM), where he will study either mechanical engineering or criminal justice. Looking ten years ahead, he plans to be established in the career path he chooses. He also plans to start a family of his own, own a home and a vehicle, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Manuel says he admires his mom because of all the hard work she has done to provide for him and his sisters. He appreciates the way she has made it possible for them to have their basic needs met and access to a good education.

If you ask him for recommendation on a meal, one of Manuel’s favorite places to eat is LongHorn Steakhouse. He likes ordering steak with fries and then choosing another side depending on his mood that day.

Manuel’s years at MAS reflect focus and follow-through. Those qualities will continue to serve him well as he moves onto UNM and the future he envisions for himself.