First in her family: White Plains High School senior Yasmin Barranco's path to college

Growing up in White Plains as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Yasmin Barranco has spent years working toward a milestone her family never had the chance to reach: attending college.

“That’s what I’ve been working toward,” the White Plains High School senior said. “I don’t want to miss that opportunity.”

Yasmin grew up alongside her younger brother, Rafael, in a close-knit household shaped by the hard work and perseverance of her mother, Virginia, a house cleaner, and her father, Maviael, who works in demolition.

“I remember seeing my dad come home tired from work,” Yasmin said, tearing up. “It’s a lot of physical labor.”

Those experiences have helped shape her outlook as she prepares for the next chapter after graduation.

“I’ll be the first generation to go to university,” Yasmin said proudly. “I’m trying to make sure I have everything ready — FAFSA, financial aid, scholarships — because I don’t want to miss that opportunity. That’s what I’ve been working toward.”

She has been accepted to Iona University and plans to pursue a career as a physician assistant, a career path she discovered through the Medicine Club at WPHS.

“I remember there were physician assistant students who came to speak, and they talked about their experiences,” Yasmin said. “They mentioned how they could travel and still help people, and I was like, ‘That’s something I want to do.’”

Her current coursework reflects that ambition. She is enrolled in AP Biology, AP Calculus AB and AP Literature in both English and Spanish, along with symphonic orchestra, government and economics classes, and strength training.

“I’m taking AP Bio so I can prepare for college,” she said. “And I like that this year I also have two study halls. Before, my schedule was really packed.”

Yasmin credits the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program with helping her navigate the college process as a first-generation student.

“They really guide you,” she said. “They teach you what financial aid is, what majors and minors are, and what you should be looking for in colleges. It made everything feel more possible.”

Outside the classroom, Yasmin is involved in a wide range of activities, including Gardening Club, Mariachi, Medicine Club, and both the National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society.

Art, in particular, has become a meaningful outlet.

“I like to draw realism with graphite,” she said. “It’s calming. It helps me forget about everything else for a little while — it’s just me and the artwork.”

One of her most personal pieces was a portrait of her grandfather, Floriberto, who passed away last year in Puebla, Mexico.

“I wanted to draw him in his memory. I heard that when he died, he died peacefully — and that’s the best thing I could hear,” said Yasmin, who wasn’t able to attend his burial in person.

Yasmin’s journey through school has included challenges as well as growth. As a bilingual student who spoke primarily Spanish at home, she initially struggled with English in elementary school.

“My Spanish was stronger,” she said. “I had to work to catch up.”

She credits a teacher at Post Road Elementary School, Janneth Ponce-Doyle, with helping her build confidence.

“She would sit with me and have me read, then ask me questions,” Yasmin said. “She helped me understand vocabulary and comprehension. That made a big difference for me.”

At White Plains High School, she found similar support in her counselor, Yolainny Minaya.

“There were things I was dealing with, and I didn’t know what to do with that information,” she said. “Talking to her helped me process everything and move forward.”

Despite those challenges, Yasmin has embraced opportunities to grow and explore. Earlier this year, she traveled to Paris and London with classmates — her first time flying.

“I was nervous and excited at the same time,” she said. “When the plane took off, I was like, ‘Wow, this is really happening.’”

She described the experience as eye-opening.

“I liked learning about other cultures and seeing how different everything is,” she said about her experience across the pond. “It was really interesting.”

At home, Yasmin enjoys sketching, playing video games with her brother, and spending time with her dog, Gansito, a Shih Tzu-Yorkie mix.

“We got him about a month before my grandpa died,” she said. “During that time, having the dog helped us a lot. He brought some comfort.”

Owning a dog also taught her responsibility.

“You have to take care of him, train him, walk him,” she said. “At first, I didn’t think I’d be able to handle it, but now it feels natural.”

Reflecting on her time at WPHS, Yasmin emphasized the strong sense of community.

“The staff really care,” she said. “Whether it’s teachers, counselors or even security guards, you can see that connection with students.”

She also pointed to the many resources available to students.

“There’s the college center, internships, tutoring, extra help,” she said. “They show you that there are so many opportunities – you just have to take action.”

As graduation approaches, Yasmin is looking ahead with a mix of emotions.

“I don’t feel super excited,” she admitted. “It’s more like, ‘OK, this chapter is done –  now I have to move on to the next one.’”

For Yasmin, that next step is about continuing the journey she began years ago, one shaped by determination, resilience and a commitment to building a future full of possibility.