For Sierra Vista High School (SVHS) alumna Mayra Orellana-Vazquez (Class of 2010), her journey into architecture began with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to try something new.
“I enjoy being in a creative environment, problem-solving, and visualizing an idea on paper into construction,” Mayra shared. Encouraged by her school counselor, she enrolled in a drafting class with longtime Architecture & Design teacher Mr. Estrada. “Once I took the class, my interest kept growing,” she said, laughing. “Picture me as a chia pet.”
Through Sierra Vista High’s Architecture & Design Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway, Mayra gained early exposure to drafting principles, construction documentation, and industry tools that set her apart long after graduation. One of the most impactful skills she developed was drafting, learning to create sections, wall details, and coordinated construction document sets while collaborating across multiple design disciplines.
Today, Mayra is a licensed architect working at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she serves as Facilities Quality Assurance, reviewing architectural, structural, and civil construction projects before they break ground. Her role ensures projects meet building codes, NASA requirements, and industry quality standards.
“The SVHS CTE experience was a key that opened many doors,” Mayra said. “Experience builds on itself, it makes you a well-rounded student, colleague, and employee.”
That foundation proved critical when Mayra transitioned to college at Woodbury University, where architecture coursework was immediately hands-on. Because of her high school academic CTE experience, she entered college already comfortable building models, communicating design ideas, and using computer-aided design software.
One standout moment from high school? Learning Revit in Mr. Estrada’s class. “When I started college, many students hadn’t used it before,” she said. “I wasn’t afraid because I was already familiar. I never regretted starting early, even though I didn’t fully realize at the time how beneficial it would be.”
She still relies daily on skills she first learned at Sierra Vista, from reading construction documents to applying drafting best practices. “Once you master one skill, you move on to mastering the next,” she said.
Beyond technical skills, the program taught her resilience. “The most valuable lesson I learned was to not give up,” Mayra said. “There were moments when things felt hard or like they would take too long. I had to re-center myself on my goal to be an architect.” As a first-generation college student, and often the only female or youngest person in the room, perseverance became essential. “To achieve your goals, you have to be resilient, even when you don’t feel empowered.”
Some of her favorite memories include transitioning from hand drafting to computer drafting, working alongside classmates, and learning from Mr. Estrada, “who has always been a Dodger fan,” she added. One of her most meaningful moments, however, came years later: returning to SVHS to speak with current Architecture & Design students.
“It reminded me that I’m still who they are today, a Baldwin Park resident attending Sierra Vista High with a dream,” Mayra said. “I was thrilled to see more female students choosing a CTE pathway.”
Her advice to students considering Architecture & Design or any CTE pathway is simple but powerful: “Be a learner. Be resilient. Don’t lose your motivation. Challenge yourself, hard work pays off.”