Ashley Ruiz

  • I was born

    I was born
    During winter I was born in the city of Phoenix, AZ. I am the oldest out of two. I have a younger brother that goes to Westwood. I live with both my mom and my brother. My family is very small but we always find a way to be happy.
  • My other half

    My other half
    The day my brother was born was honestly so satisfying. I am glad I have someone like him in my life. He has taught me to cherish friendships and overall he has taught me to be goofy with him and my friends.
  • Reading award

    Reading award
    When I was in first grade, I was awarded a reading award. This award was only for students that had over 500 reading points. I was the only student in my grade level to reach these points and I had the opportunity to go up on stage and cut a small piece of my principal's hair as the prize!
  • My first best friend

    My first best friend
    When I was 5 years old I met my best friend. His name is Dani. Throughout my childhood he has always been a funny and smart guy to be around with. His different culture has taught me a lot about Central America. Up until this day, we are still the bestest of best friends there could be.
  • Ballet

    Ballet
    At the age of 8, I wanted to become a ballerina. It was my dream until I could no longer dance. When I was young I would go to dance classes and dance many different dance genres (tap, jazz,ballet, lyrical and hip hop). My favorite one was ballet! Ballet will always be something I enjoyed every minute of my life.
  • My first guitar

    My first guitar
    On my birthday, I was given my very first guitar. Ever since this day I have taught myself how to play this instrument. Through the years I have finally found my talent that has been growing and passed down my family. I have used my talent to perform on my church worship team and play as the lead guitar.
  • My dog's death

    My dog's death
    My pet, Candy was a very sweet and loving girl. She loved being around kids and her favorite thing to do was lick anyone. She was very playful and her death taught us so many things in life. Since then my family has not decided to raise another pet. We still and always will love her.
  • Pom

    Pom
    My sophomore year I auditioned for the varsity team here at Westwood. I never knew that my first time auditioning I would be a member of the varsity team for two years. I am so glad I was part of a team that was helpful, exciting and fun.
  • Mission Trip

    Mission Trip
    At the age of 16, I volunteered to participate in a mission. My church was going to set a trip to Honduras (C.A) to help reach aid to people over there. I was able to travel there and experience poverty at a level I never imagined. I learned to talk to kids and help them with basic necessities as well as providing food and supplies for orphans, single mothers and families in the poorest neighborhoods.
  • First time across the world

    First time across the world
    I had the opportunity to go to Italy and Greece as a school trip. Although the trip there was very excruciating and long, I got to learn so much history. I was able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip that allowed me to learn about the different languages, food, and cultures.