Senior Profile: Rainy Dawn Vargas-Thomas

There are some students who fly by under the radar, and they are moving to the college of their choice when you realize you missed out on knowing a senior who is pretty special. That is not the case with Rainy Dawn. I met her a few years ago and have been addicted to her personality ever since. So when I sat down with her this past week to talk about all things “her,” I was really looking forward to what she had to say. She did not disappoint.

Rainy is one of those rare students. Good grades, good attitude and willing to work hard. That is probably why no one was surprised when she decided to start Running Start her senior year. I asked her how her senior year was going, to get the conversation ball rolling. She began her answer with a giggle, that same giggle that she has had since I met her.

“I don’t know, it’s fine I guess,” she said. Then, pausing to think a bit, “I am steadily moving through my studies. It is harder this year since I am in Running Start but I really want to get a head start on college and my degree.” This was a way to finish high school while pulling ahead in college. And she has big plans.

“I am either going to go to the University of Redlands or Yale to get my PhD in clinical psychology,” she said.

When she says this, it is not a question, or an “I hope to.” It is fact as it rolls off her tongue. She says it with such confidence that you believe that it is already happening, but when I ask her why this field of study that confidence gets even bigger. “So I can help my native people that are struggling with mental health issues; I want to open my clinic right next to the one Khani Priest is going to build on our reservation.” Rainy is referring to what last year’s salutatorian for Lake Roosevelt said in this very column. Rainy Dawn sees a lack of quality professionals on the reservation to help those with mental illness, much like Khani saw a lack of medical professionals to help her people.

You would find it hard to believe that Rainy struggled with a lack of confidence that she has had to overcome to achieve her dreams, but that is exactly what she pointed out when I asked her about things she has overcome.

“Holy” she said, when I first asked. But after thinking a bit, she went with a lack of confidence and added, “When I was younger, I struggled with low self-confidence but I had to change, especially if I wanted to achieve my educational goals.” She is a high achiever too; her grades are a testament to that. She is in the top 10 in her class and is achieving great things.

We talked about her influences in life and started with those at school. She shocked me with her answer. “Probably you; you have been so encouraging and are fun to be around, even when talking about serious things, but you also have realistic expectations for all of us. We all know you believe in us.” After I took a moment to get myself together, I asked if there was anyone else in the school. She quickly responded, “Mrs. Reed; she is so encouraging and believes in me. She is a good person for me to be around.” Such great words about some of the classified staff here at Lake Roosevelt. But Rainy has other influences too.

Her mom (Val Vargas-Thomas) and dad (Joe Thomas) have been huge in her life. “They have raised me since I was 8 months old and have taken in many other kids that were struggling in life, as well. They worked so hard to make me the person I am today.” They have done a great job, too.

Her advice for future seniors: With boldness and with no hesitation she said, “Do not procrastinate!” She also added, “Enjoy it while it lasts.” Great words and advice from a young lady who is about to go out and make the world her own.

Rainy Dawn, it has been such a pleasure watching you blossom, and we all know you are not done yet, not by a long shot. I’m Jess saying.