Name:
Lizeth Carreon
High School:
Amphitheater High School (Class of 2023)
Postsecondary Plan:
Arizona State University, studying Business Data Analytics
Journey:
From club meetings and campus events to late-night study sessions, Lizeth Carreon has a full plate at Arizona State University. A junior majoring in business data analytics, she wears many hats–student leader, club organizer, scholarship recipient, and mentor to peers. Yet despite her busy schedule, Lizeth radiates positivity and speaks with warmth and gratitude about every step of her journey.
Lizeth grew up in Tucson, Arizona, raised by her aunt as her parents, unable to cross into the United States, made the difficult decision to have her live away from home so she could have access to more opportunities. “I feel like if I didn’t try as much as I did, then it wouldn’t be worth their sacrifice,” she reflects. “I want them to know all the struggles and time apart were worth it.” That perspective fuels her work ethic and keeps her focused when things get overwhelming.
In high school, Lizeth attended Amphitheater High School where she pushed herself to stay involved and make the most of every opportunity–from AP classes, AVID, student council, clubs, and sports to even speaking at her own graduation. Reflecting on her time at Amphi, Lizeth couldn’t speak more highly of teacher-turned-GEAR UP Coach Ms. Pye, who was with her every step of the way from middle school to the ASU campus.
“I love her so much, she’s like family to me. I just texted her last week,” Lizeth said happily. “She is someone who you can rely on. If she can help you in any way, she is there for you.” When Lizeth received a letter for a big scholarship to ASU, Ms. Pye was one of the first people she called.
Now in her third year as a Sun Devil, Lizeth continues to thrive by staying active in multiple clubs and organizations, including student leadership, Greek life, business groups, and leading the charge as President of the GEAR UP Alumni Club.
“I love helping people,” she said. “These clubs feel like a family. We share opportunities, encourage each other, and make the hard parts of college easier.”
She also sees her involvement as a way to give back. Early on, Lizeth struggled to find community at a large university. Joining her clubs gave her the support system she needed on campus, and now she works to connect others who may feel the same. “Once you find something you’re passionate about, you want to share it. That’s how we build community.”
Academically, Lizeth has shown the same ability to adapt and grow. She began as an entrepreneurship major but later discovered her passion for business data analytics after learning how data can shape a company from the inside out. Her long-term dream is to combine those skills with her entrepreneurial drive to build businesses alongside her family.
Through it all, she never loses sight of the bigger picture. “I love school. It’s hard, but I don’t see myself anywhere else,” she says. Her schedule may be demanding, but for Lizeth, staying grounded in her community’s support makes every challenge worth it.