Joel Umana: Senior Story

In sixth grade, I met Joel Umana, a quiet kid who mostly kept to himself. We ended up in Ms. Robinson’s class together, and somehow, we started hanging out, playing games like Mafia, Pokémon, and Uno. Those games were more than just a way to pass time; they were the beginning of a friendship that would grow stronger each year. We even made Google Classrooms together called “Project Zorgo” for hacking, we also made another google classroom called “The case against Ms. Lalena” because we didn’t like her class. Back then we both thought we were absolute geniuses and cool, but now looking back it was just us being sixth graders trying to feel like tech geniuses.

As we went through middle school and high school, Joel changed a lot. That quiet kid from sixth grade found his voice. Now, he’s the one you hear talking every day, laughing and sharing his ideas with the people around him, to the point where you get annoyed. Joel’s grown a ton, and I’ve been lucky to watch it all unfold.

When I sat down with Joel to ask him a few questions about his time at YMLA, he shared what the school has meant to him. YMLA, he said, has been one of the most important experiences in his life so far. He came in as a freshman without much motivation and left as a senior with a clear sense of direction and purpose. Joel found a passion for math, a subject he describes as “interesting and intricate.” It’s not just about numbers to him; it’s about problem-solving and understanding the world in a way that only math can show.

(Editor Note: He loves math, to the point where he remembers everything to formulas and plays around with Desmos in his off time. This man got no life.)

One of Joel’s biggest accomplishments at YMLA was scoring a 1390 on his SAT, the highest in our senior class. Seeing his hard work pay off in such a big way has only fueled his goal to pursue math further. He hopes to join TCU’s community scholarship program and go on to earn a Ph.D. in pure mathematics so he can eventually become a research professor. 

(Editor Note: I’m telling you he be bragging so much about that SAT Score; we be getting annoyed)

But Joel’s high school journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He shared that procrastination has been one of his biggest struggles. He’s honest about the fact that he hasn’t completely beaten it, but he’s learned to manage it by setting specific times to study and view his homework as a tool for growth, rather than just a chore. This change in perspective has helped him build the discipline he’ll need for the future.

(Editor Note: This is very true, he procrastinates to the point where he did the college applications last minute , If I had his SAT Score, I make sure colleges see it.)

Beyond academics, Joel finds joy in teaching younger kids at his church. He said he loves working with children because they have this unique way of seeing the world, focusing on little details that adults often overlook. It’s something that inspires him and reminds him to appreciate the simple things.

(Editor Note: He is lying, he hates children)

As we wrapped up, I asked Joel if he had any advice for younger students. His answer was simple: “Don’t be like everyone else.” He encourages them to embrace what makes them different—their backgrounds, personalities, and interests—and turn those things into something they’re passionate about. It’s clear that Joel has taken this advice to heart, finding his spark in math and turning it into a real ambition.

(Editor Note: Sniff Sniff Sniff, this is making me “cry” fr )

Looking back, Joel wouldn’t change his path at all. He’s certain that YMLA was the right place for him, shaping him into the person he is today and the one he hopes to become. For both of us, this journey has been unforgettable, and I’m grateful to have been part of it alongside him.