Gabrielle Arreglo, also known as Gabby, is a senior at Glendale High School, and she was born in Burbank. In her free time, she enjoys watching Inside Edition and scrolling through Instagram. She has attended GHS since her freshman year and is currently the captain of our reigning champion Scholastic Bowl team and the GHS Front Ensemble. 

Gabby is also serving as treasurer for the marching band, and she is the captain of our symphonic orchestra. Gabby is additionally serving as president of two GHS clubs: the Tri-Music Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

Gabby clearly has a lot on her plate. Thankfully, she had some time to answer our questions.

What do you like most about GHS?

I like the diversity. A lot of people here have gone through certain things. They have a lot of responsibilities, and you get exposed to people who lead hard lives or better lives. Just having these differences shapes your perspective and makes you more aware of the world.

What made you decide to be part of so many groups on our campus?

I didn’t enjoy everything when I first started out, but now, I truly enjoy what I do. I love the people I have met through all these clubs and classes. I guess maybe the people are what interests me [most] about these clubs, because they’re keeping me from being burnt out.

Did you help start any clubs or were the positions handed down to you?

I think that for Tri-M Music Honor Society, I was a founding member for that club. Last year was the first year [we had that club at GHS], and I was present [for it]. So in a way, I guess I made that happen. 

I’ve had a lot of these roles passed onto me, [and it] has been a pleasure to take these opportunities. Just [by] being in a [leadership] position, I can be a good role model for these people and hopefully make an impact.

Why are these clubs and organizations needed on our campus?

Every single thing I do, I think, has meaning to me. For me, Scholastic Bowl isn’t just a way to memorize, [but it] is a way to work, to learn. 

There [aren’t] really a lot of academically rigorous extracurricular activities at GHS, and so I think it’s important that people have that opportunity to challenge themselves. 

Marching band is really cool itself, just to play an instrument, to form bonds with such amazing people. I love the friends I’ve made through orchestra. I love music, and I don’t know who I would be friends with or who I would know if it weren’t for music. For FCA, I love God! God is important.

Do you ever get overwhelmed?

I really do get overwhelmed a lot, especially when I would be at school [from] 7pm  to 10pm. Sometimes on weekends, I would be at competitions all day. It is overwhelming at times, but what really helps are my reasons and remembering why this is important to me. 

I love what I’m doing, but also for my family, my parents, I think it’s worth it. I think it’s worth it for the people. I know the things I’m doing right now have shaped the person I am and will prepare me for the future when I will have a lot of responsibilities. 

Lastly, why should people join these clubs and organizations?

[They should join them] if they want to be a part of a really strong family or community, [or] if they want to intellectually challenge themselves and be better as a student, as a person.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself at a university studying biology, because I want to work as a pre-med student and hopefully work as a doctor.

Gabby is sure that the future of these clubs and organizations will be strong, since they have been here for a while.” She also encourages all musicians who are good students to apply for the Tri-Music Honor Society. If you want to join Tri-M, please email Ms. Rangel at [email protected] for the application and for more information. For FCA Club, please email Mr. Gao at [email protected], and follow them on Instagram: @ghsfca23.

Get involved, Nitros!