Hesperia teen waves signs of hope

It’s nothing new for Samantha Pedregon to stand up for something meaningful.

As Sultana High School’s ROTC group commander last school year, the diminutive 18 year old led by example on a daily basis. But recently she took a stand by doing something out of the ordinary.

Last Monday, she began standing at one of Hesperia’s busiest intersections — the corner of C Avenue and Main Street in Hesperia — and waved a sign of hope and inspiration. Her plan is to wave a new sign every weekday from 2 to 3 p.m. until she goes to college in a few weeks.

“It’s been something that’s been on my mind, but I didn’t have the time until recently,” she said.

Her first message on Monday, Aug. 16 was “Smile!” written in big letters on a large piece of white cardboard. On Tuesday, Pedregon waved a sign reading “Think Positive.” On Wednesday it was “Be Strong” followed by “Never Give Up.”

“The first time I wasn’t really sure how people would react to my signs.”

But her intuition was correct. Passersby were receptive, and many showed their appreciation by sending back good vibes.

“I get a lot of honks. I get a lot of waves, and I get a lot of thumbs up. One car totally made my day. They waved their arms out the window and gave me the love sign. At the end of the [first] day I knew I’d be happy with myself. I was really proud of myself that day. I’d made it.”

Pedregon, who will study computer animation at the Los Angeles Film Institute in Hollywood, said she wants to shine a ray of hope for people affected by the economic downturn.

“During this economy, everybody’s suffering. These little messages might affect someone in a positive way.”

Afterward, Pedregon will post her results and observations on a Facebook info page. Facebook members can join her journey by searching “That Sign Girl on Main Street” and joining her group.

She hopes her uplifting social experiment will have a lasting effect.

“I always wanted a little sign to keep me going,” she said. “Now I can wave a sign to help other people keep going after their goals.”