Citlali Baez: A Story of Creativity, Resilience, and Aspiration
Born and raised in Colorado, Citlali Baez is the middle child in a family of five children. She’s an 11th grader at CEC Early College and volunteers through NHS. Citlali takes pride in her love for spicy food—she boasts a remarkably high tolerance.
"I like my food really, really spicy. Most people can’t handle it, but for me, the hotter, the better," she smiles.
Beyond her love for bold flavors, Citlali is deeply proud of her mother’s perseverance. Citlali draws immense inspiration from her mom's resilience and dedication. Her mother, who persevered through multiple hardships, instilled in her the value of education and the belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to.
"My mom has always been my biggest inspiration," she says. "Seeing everything she’s been through and how she still pushes forward—it makes me want to work harder and make her proud."
A Creative Spirit
Citlali’s creative spirit shines through in every aspect of her life. Whether experimenting with different artistic mediums or exploring self-expression through visual storytelling, she consistently finds ways to bring her vision to life.
"I’ve always loved learning about different kinds of art," Citlali says. "It’s a way for me to express myself and understand the world around me."
An Example of Citlali's Photography
This year, she embarked on an ambitious project—a documentary exploring the art scene in Denver. "I am doing a documentary on the art scene in Denver, specifically focusing on one local band called Manny.. They're both indie but also cover rock music," Citlali explains.
"I'm also highlighting a nonprofit community center called D3 Arts, which hosts shows for up to 400 people. Through these interviews, I want to explore how art influences people and why it’s so important—not just in society but in the world."
The documentary is both a school project and a personal passion. Through her film class, Citlali is sharpening her technical skills, but the heart of the project lies in her desire to highlight young people of color art and the spaces where they are free to pursue their creative dreams. "At the beginning of the year, I was struggling with whether to follow my artistic passions or choose a more stable career path," she reflects. "Through this project, I've realized I can embrace both sides—being an artist and a scientist."
More Examples of Citlali's Photography
Thanks to her growing social capital, Citlali has successfully secured interviews with the band Manny., and the popular community space. "I’m really proud because I’ve connected with people who are willing to share their stories. It’s shown me how valuable these relationships are in making a project like this happen," she says with pride.
Navigating the Pressures of Being First-Generation
As a prospective first-generation college graduate, Citlali experiences the pressures and expectations that many in her position understand.
"A lot of our parents didn’t finish high school, so they expect us to not only finish but also excel academically," she explains. "It’s hard because many adults don’t fully understand how much work high school really is—between classes, homework, extracurriculars, and home responsibilities, there’s barely enough time in the day."
Although her mother always encouraged her to pursue higher education, Citlali didn’t always see herself going to college. "I never really loved school," she admits. For a time, she considered pursuing a certificate program instead of a four-year degree, believing it would offer a more direct path to a career. But in the past year, her perspective shifted.
"I realized that getting a higher education would not only help me longterm—by giving me access to better job opportunities—but also allow me to give back to the world. I realized that by educating myself, I can pass forward my knowledge and expertise. If I go into Science for example, it could help me support my friends, my family, and the broader community by explaining things such as genetic diseases and common household bacteria, knowledge not commonly available to the broader community."
Discovering Mile High 360 and the Importance of Knowledge and Support
Her journey with Mile High 360 began unexpectedly. In ninth grade—during the post-COVID period—Citlali found herself signed up for the program without realizing it. "I didn’t even know I was signed up," she recalls with a laugh. "One day, I was waiting outside for my mom to pick me up, and instead, I got a call from someone at Mile High 360 saying they were waiting for me in the van." Initially unsure about the program, she kept attending at her mother's encouragement—and soon, she grew to love it.
Some of Citlali's Adventures at Mile High 360
Over time, Mile High 360 became more than just an after-school program—it became a supportive community where she could balance academics, social connections, and personal growth.
"Mile High gives me a place to socialize and still work and also develop other skills at the same time," she says. "It takes a lot off my plate to be able to do everything in one space—spend time with friends, exercise, do work, and get support for that work."
Looking ahead, Citlali hopes programs like Mile High 360 continue to provide resources that empower students—especially when it comes to scholarships and understanding their rights.
"A lot of people don’t know their rights, and that lack of knowledge can lead to more stress or even dangerous situations," she says. "Access to information and support systems is crucial for prospective first-generation college graduates navigating the complexities of education and future careers."
When asked what she would change about Mile High 360, Citlali pauses before saying with a smile, "Honestly, I’m happy with Mile High as it is."
Looking to the Future
As she approaches her 17th birthday, Citlali reflects on her dreams and where she hopes to be by the age of 25. "I want my future self to know that I fulfilled the dreams I have today," she says confidently. For Citlali, those dreams extend beyond career ambitions—they include embracing her creativity, honoring her family’s legacy, and using her education to uplift those around her! We are proud of Citlali and cannot wait to see what's in store for her. Great job, Citlali!
