Bright nails, even brighter future: Q&A with Tania Muniz

By STEPHANY MEDINA 
The Tower 

Often found in a small group, Tania Muniz has a bubbly persona. She wears bright colors, her hair neatly done, and has a fresh set of acrylic nails, highlighting flowers, gems, or pink.   

Muniz works alongside her mother to support her small nail business, playing a huge role in advertising. She has helped her mother substantially grow the business, giving friends the confidence to book with her. For the 2024-25 prom season, Muniz convinced five friends to book with her mother.  

Muniz is very passionate about school, often found engulfed in books. She is serious about her studies, taking AP classes and courses at San Joaquin Delta College. Along with this, Muniz participates in extracurriculars, such as HOSA, HYLC, and CSF.  Her commitment to her academics continues after school, with college courses in human sexuality and intro to business.   

Furthermore, Muniz works the weekends at McDonalds.  

Muniz was inspired to further her education early in her childhood. She heard stories from her father about the limited resources he grew up with. Muniz strives to do better. 

“My parents have really pushed me,” she said, “and I’ve always liked learning.” 

Muniz is close with Linda Sumrall, her former AP European History teacher at Manteca High. Sumrall labels Muniz as a dedicated student. Muniz is up for even the most daunting task and works hard in all aspects of her life.  

“Tania is amazingly kind, warm hearted, and funny,” Sumrall said. “She has a generous spirit that draws other people to her.”  

Muniz has a bright future. She plans to finish up with her associate’s degree at Delta College then transfer to a four-year college. She is still undecided on what four-year university she hopes to attend.  

“Tania has this strong desire to learn about new things, so she is very open-minded and willing to look at things outside of the box,” Sumrall said. “She takes responsibility for her own education and works with her teachers to make sure she is on the right track. To me, she goes above and beyond what the average student does which makes her extraordinary.” 

The Tower: Has any teacher made a positive impact on you? If so, who? 

Tania Muniz: It must be Sumrall because she has a bubbly personality, and I feel close with her. 

TT: When did you begin taking courses at Delta? 

TM: It was the summer after my freshman year when I heard about it. 

TT: What are your courses at Delta?  

TM: As of right now, I’m currently taking human sexuality and introduction to business. 

TT: What are your courses at Manteca High? 

TM: This term, I have AP Spanish, AP English, AP Biology and Algebra 2 

TT: Where did your love for education come from?  

TM: I would have to say that my parents have really pushed me, and I’ve always really liked learning. I also liked seeing how my hard work would pay off.  

TT: What are your incentives to do well in school?  

TM: I think mostly my parents, especially my father who would tell me stories about his struggles and I feel like that pushes me to do my best, and to live a better life than they did.  

TT: Do you know what college you plan on going to after high school?  

TM: I’m trying to go to UCs, like UC Davis or UCLA. 

TT: Is it difficult to manage your course load whilst having a job?  

TM: Yes, sometimes I find myself forgetting to do some of my work so I’m either rushing to do it or doing it during my lunch.