She's bubbly, talks fast and seems to be excited about everything.
Lots of things get her chatting, ranging from the Betsey Johnson pewter prom dress she snatched for a bargain price, her love of Russian history and her skateboard skills in place for UC Santa Barbara this fall.
Rochelle Breedon, a busy Tustin High senior, was a representative for the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership and served as Associated Student Body Pep Commissioner. She participated in Model United Nations all four years in high school and earned varsity letters in water polo and swimming. She also mentored freshman students and planned other youth group activities through the Youth Leadership Village Church of Irvine.
For this and for acing her leadership exercise, essay and interviews at the Irvine Co., she received $15,000 for being selected as one of four finalists for the 2008 Irvine Co. Student Leadership Awards.
Breedon credits MUN advisor Linda Levine as her most inspirational high school teacher who listened to her life ponderings and helped her with public speaking. Breedon hopes to strengthen the MUN program while at UCSB.
After college, the plan is to go into entertainment law.
"I love musicians. I think they're crazy weirdos and want to work with them," she said with a laugh. "I want to study music rights and make sure they aren't getting screwed by record companies, things like that."
Then she wants to wind down her life with humanitarian work, such as by working with children or at an AIDS foundation. Breedon was voted as having "infinite tactfulness" by her senior class.
Her advice for those in high school is simply to not go through school just to pass a test.
"There's too much apathy in youth today. Definitely find something you're passionate about."
