Nicole Padin Vasquez, a junior at Mission Early College High School, has always dreamed of traveling the world, meeting new people and exploring different cultures. This summer, she made that dream a reality.
With support from a scholarship from the Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE), Nicole spent the month of July in Italy, immersing herself in its rich culture, language, and daily life, which helped her begin her next chapter filled with endless opportunities for the future.
“I feel like I came back with an independent mindset,” said Nicole, a straight-A student, who is on track to earn her associate degree for free before graduating high school in 2027. “I was always afraid of graduating and leaving, and I feel like this experience helped me learn that no matter where I go, I can find the right people who are going to be there to support me, to have fun with, and to help each other. I know now that I can be okay on my own.”
In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments, Nicole was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Socorro ISD Board of Trustees regular meeting in August 2025.
For Nicole, a social media post led to a life-changing decision. After seeing another student share her experience with CIEE, Nicole was intrigued by the opportunity to study abroad over the summer.
Although the idea of traveling alone was daunting, Nicole jumped at the challenge. She credited her education at Mission Early College with empowering her to take control of her future and seek out experiences that would shape her life.
“This school has taught me that I can advocate for myself, that I can be independent, and that I can find my own opportunities,” Nicole said.
With that mindset, Nicole applied for and earned a scholarship through the CIEE, a nonprofit organization which coordinates high school and college international exchanges, allowing her to study in Italy from July 8 to August 2. Scholarships were awarded based on either merit or financial need.
Martin Chavarria, Business Career and Technical Education teacher at Mission Early College, didn’t hesitate to recommend Nicole for the CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship. He believed her leadership qualities and inquisitive nature would contribute to her success in the program.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Nicole will excel in any endeavor she pursues,” said Chavarria, highlighting her exceptional qualities. He said Nicole displayed remarkable leadership and commitment while providing free income tax preparation services through the GECU Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. “She consistently exhibits a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for learning,” Chavarria added.
Nicole spent July living with two roommates from New York and a host family in Rome, where she learned Italian, studied Italy’s history and traditions, and built friendships with students from all over the U.S., including North Carolina, Virginia and Maine.
Outside of the classroom, she explored the city. She tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, toured the Colosseum, spent a day at the beach in the coastal town of Sperlonga, and navigated Rome on foot or via the metro. Along the way, she practiced her Italian by asking locals about their favorite fashion trends and celebrities.
“It was challenging to speak Italian, but I feel like since I know Spanish, it was a little bit easier for me,” Nicole said.
One of her fondest memories was making guacamole for her host family.
“They were actually like on the fence about it,” Nicole recalled with a laugh. “My host mom didn’t want to eat it at first, but then she tried it. She liked it, and she finished it!”
Nicole returned from her trip with newfound independence and confidence, ready to start the new school year at Mission Early College High School.
In addition to her high school coursework, she is taking philosophy, economics, business, and math at El Paso Community College. Her goal is to earn an associate of arts degree in Accounting, Business, and Economics next year, paving the way for future success.
Nicole also has enjoyed the opportunities the school has provided students to give back to the community. As the historian for the school’s Key Club, Nicole has shown her commitment by volunteering and raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Humane Society of El Paso.
This summer, Nicole volunteered at the school’s Summer Bridge Camp, helping incoming freshmen transition to the early college program. She calmed their nerves by sharing her own experiences and the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.
“It was kind of nostalgic because I'm thinking, ‘Oh, wow! That was me two years ago!’ But it also makes me feel good, knowing that I can be helpful to them, and I can be kind of a leader and like a role model to help them see what they can do here and that they can have good futures ahead of them.”