![\"From](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Sienna-DiMuro-Celebrating-e3-Civic-High-School.jpg\")
\u201cThe situation was terrifying and unfamiliar,\u201d Watras-DiMuro said.<\/p>\n
She entered e3 Civic High School during her freshman year, choosing the school for its excellent reputation, for its Downtown location, and for its emphasis on computer studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had quite a struggle,\u201d Watras-DiMuro said. Her household was bilingual, although she spoke Spanish first, and found writing in English to be difficult. But she persevered. Her courses over the past four years at e3 Civic High School included conservation biology, computer science, Mandarin Chinese, outdoor adventure, and her real passion, digital media arts.<\/p>\n
Watras-DiMuro is already a gifted and skilled photographer. She plans to further her studies in college with courses in media arts production, with intent to apply her acquired knowledge in roles as a creative director and public policy advocate.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would especially like to work on behalf of homeless children and youth and incarcerated inmates,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Watras-DiMuro and her mother moved into their first apartment during December 2017. They have had to move twice since then, due to the ever-increasing cost of rent in San Diego.<\/p>\n
Sienna received financial aid from e3 Civic High School, with money to buy the school\u2019s required uniform and to pay for a school-sponsored trip to China. She said she received incalculable emotional and academic support from the school as well.<\/p>\n
Learning facilitator staffers at e3 concurred with Watras-DiMuro\u2019s self-assessment as a courageous young woman who has persisted and thrived despite difficult circumstances. Dr. Cheryl Ward, the school\u2019s chief of academic innovation, knows her well.<\/p>\n
\u201cSienna is a born leader, a true leader. She lost the school council election but kept her spirits high and looked on the bright side,\u201d Ward said.<\/p>\n
Ward mentioned Watras-DiMuro\u2019s intern stint with state Senator Toni Atkins, with a nod toward Sienna\u2019s chosen career path.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see Sienna as a stateswoman,\u201d Ward said. \u201cShe believes in people, in the good in people. She wants to be part of the solution, she is courageous and a truly beautiful person.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ward summed up, saying of Watras-DiMuro, \u201cFortitude could be her middle name.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cindy Lewis, who taught Sienna\u2019s computer science classes, agreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cSienna has great maturity. She is optimistic, empathetic and hopeful. I expect her to do wonderful things,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Turning during the intervi\u00adew to address Watras-DiMuro directly, Lewis continued, \u201cYou give me hope for the future. What you\u2019ve been through doesn\u2019t weigh you down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Quietly, Watras-DiMuro replied, \u201cI\u2019ve been told I\u2019m an old soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alexandra Heath, who worked with Watras-DiMuro as advisor to the senior homecoming council, said, \u201cFor the other scholars here and my co-workers, we all believe Sienna is so mature and responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heath added remarks about one of her proud influences on Watras-DiMuro\u2019s education. \u201cWe helped her in finding her passions,\u201d Heath said, referring to photography and political science.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Watras-DiMuro is putting together funding sources to pay for her college tuition. She has earned a $10,000 scholarship from the Horatio Alger Association, which supports students who have overcome difficulties and are determined to pursue further education beyond high school. But yearly tuition and other school costs are expensive.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Watras-DiMuro is eagerly looking forward to next year at Emerson College.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I walked in the doors there, I said to myself, \u2018this feels like home.\u2019 People here are working to change the world for the better,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
What advice would Watras-DiMuro give to anyone going through hellish circumstances?<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are two sides to any circumstance,\u201d she said. \u201cGet your stuff together. Find what inspires you to keep going. Remind yourself why you are doing things, and never give up.\u201d<\/p>\n
More about Sienna\u2019s story in her own words, and samples of her photography can be found on her website at iamsiennadimuro.weebly.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n