YOU ARE WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO BE. "You are what you choose to be. You can never have an excuse for how you are because you're the one who put yourself there. You have the prerogative of yourself. You are your person." This quote from Robert’s grandfather means a lot to him because it opened his eyes. It told him that he could be whatever he wants to be as a person but only if he was willing to make the change.
Robert Jacob Limon was born on February 24, 2005, in West Covina, California. His family moved to Waterville when he was three years old. He currently lives with his father Phillip Pagan who is his biggest influence. “I know it sounds cliché,” Robert then adds, “but my dad is the biggest influence on my life. He truly taught me how to keep my responsibilities straight." Robert has siblings but hasn’t seen them in a couple of years. Robert’s favorite song is, “Paint The Sky Red,” by Rod Wave because the song reminds him that there are good people in the world.
Robert has been involved in Journalism, the All School Play, FFA, Forensics, Vocal, and Basketball for two years. Robert’s favorite memory from school is when he fell asleep in Journalism last year and Lilly Busey grabbed the cymbals from the band room and crashed them to wake him up. He didn’t move a muscle. Robert doesn’t have a set plan for ten years after graduation. “It's hard for me to guess. Everything can change in an instant. I can lay out a plan and then one minor difference can change where time will take me.” No matter what the plan is, Robert wants to be successful in any area of life that he can be and dreams of being happy.
Robert’s advice to underclassmen is to not let their weaknesses hold them back. “I am colorblind and chose to take an art class my junior year. I passed that art class as well... for the first semester. Of course, I had to drop the class the 2nd semester because it no longer fit in my schedule, but my point still stands.” When Robert leaves the Valley Heights community, he wants to be remembered as someone who simply does right and has integrity.
When asked about what makes Robert so unique, Mrs. Steinfort says, “Robert is an old soul. I feel like he has some hidden talents that he doesn’t always show. For instance, he’s a great conversationalist at his work and he enjoys visiting with older people.” Robert says he doesn’t have a set plan for 10 years, but Mrs. Steinfort sees him graduating from college, with a fiancé and family working on a career that he never thought possible. “You can be successful. Stay focused and organized and don’t sabotage your success!” Robert wants to have a positive impact on the community. Mrs. Steinfort adds, “People will remember Robert as kind but able and willing to speak his mind. He’s a great example of someone who will do above what they thought was ever possible when they get into the right environment.”
Article By: Tyrel Wagner