MAS Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight: Nathan Avina

Nathan Avina walked into his first classroom at Mission Achievement and Success Charter School in the fall of 2018, intent on learning all he could about the technologies surrounding computers and automobiles.

These interests stem from years of tearing apart old laptop computers and then refurbishing them for family and friends. In addition he spent hours watching videos on how to repair cars, which is another passion he developed in his early years. He attributes these activities for helping him develop problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility.

Nathan says the best part of attending MAS for the past eight years is the friendships he has developed, which provided him with support, encouragement and memorable experiences — especially during his high school years. He says it was MAS where he learned how to stay focused on what he is doing and not give in to distractions. Staying disciplined helped him achieve his goals and make the most of his time and opportunities. 

In fact, his advice to incoming MAS freshmen would be to actively volunteer for anything that holds interest to them. He says it provides valuable experiences and opens opportunities to explore place and situation that they might not have expected or even thought about.

Asked about his post-high school plans, Nathan has his eyes set on classes in automobile technology at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), or possibly Universal Technical Institute (UTI) to earn an associate’s degree in that field. 

As for the future after college, he plans to be a successful automobile mechanic with his own shop, as well as run a thriving computer and digital device repair shop. He also wants to own a home that is “spacious enough to accommodate visiting family,” and a close group of friends to enjoy car races and shared hobbies.

Nathan points to his father as his hero, “because he works very hard and makes many sacrifices to ensure my brother, sister and I have a good life. He encourages and supports us in everything we do, and I truly admire him for that.”

And his favorite place to eat? That would be Los Forasteros Mexican Restaurant (826 Bridge Blvd SW; Albuquerque, NM 87105). “When I go there, I like to order the Super Fries with carne asada or the California plate.”