Told from the narration of her diary, 12-year-old Cuban-American Elena navigates the ups and downs of middle school and begins her journey to become the future president of the United States.
Elena battles a series of curve balls at school, as she forgets to do a homework assignment for the first time ever and struggles with whether or not to keep a secret about her former best friend. Meanwhile her mom, Gabi, struggles to tell her kids about her new boyfriend, Sam.
After learning Gabi has a new boyfriend, Elena worries about maintaining her role in the family. Bobby meets his match on the tennis court, and Sam helps Gabi deal with the loss of her favorite sandwich when it's abruptly taken off the lunch menu.
In an attempt to find her "reason for being," Elena tries to become Orange Bay Middle's Hurricane Watch Captain. Bobby prepares to go to "Miami Second Base" with new crush Monyca-with-a-Y. Gabi is excited to have her first real date with Sam, but family obligations keep getting in the way.
In an effort to stop waiting for womanhood to come to them, Elena and Sasha stray from their usual mall stores to the forbidden Intimates & More -- which leads Elena to become an accidental criminal. Bobby's friends throw a kickback to try to help Bobby get more alone time with Monyca. Gabi tries to prove to her boss that she's perfect for the new case at work.
When Elena learns her school mascot honors a man with a horrific past, she makes it her mission to have the mascot changed. Bobby grapples with his heritage when an opposing team member makes fun of him for the way his name is spelled. Gabi tries to find the work-life balance between a case she's thrilled to be working on and a boss who doesn't have boundaries.
When Elena gets detention, she discovers a new group of kids who are so much more than their reputation. Bobby is psyched to watch a cult classic with his buddies, but is surprised when the movie forces him to reveal an aspect of his life that he wasn't prepared to share. Meanwhile, Gabi is bummed to have lost an important case to a bigger firm, only to be significantly cheered up by Sam.
Elena desperately wants to go to her first middle school dance with Joey, only to find out that he would rather go with an eighth-grade girl. Bobby and Liam go to Jupiter to compete in a tennis tournament, but find their plans thwarted. Gabi is finally ready to donate the last of her late husband's belongings, but her feelings change when she finds an old memento.
As she prepares for the big dance, Elena is shocked to discover she has a "mustache". Attempts to fix it only make it worse, forcing her to "own" her look. Bobby and his buddies plan a prank for the dance, but when it doesn't go the way Bobby expected, he lashes out at Liam. Gabi's discomfort with her new relationship only grows when her mother invites the entire family over to meet Sam.
Elena is shocked to discover that Sasha wants to switch roommates for the Tallahassee field trip. Desperate to run from her problems, she misses the bus on purpose, only to be driven by Gabi who's fleeing from her own issues with Sam. Bobby, still confused by his behavior at the dance, tells his girlfriend that he loves her. .
In Tallahassee, Elena has unresolved issues with Jessica, and she decides to take a Senator's inspiring advice, to find a solution. Bobby struggles with expressing himself and finds comfort in Sam's guidance. Gabi tries to pretend like everything is fine at work, despite her new normal with Sam.
Elena thinks she has it all figured out, but soon realizes that's not the case.
Elena joins the school play to spend time with Sasha, but is dismayed when Claude also signs up.
Elena enlists her Ñeñe (and Gabi's mother) Francisca to help get her mom off her back.
Elena gets a lower-than-expected grade on a test and tries to get her grades up.
When Sasha is overcome with stage fright, Elena takes on the role to save the play.
Gabi wants to help Elena with her campaign speech and Winter Carnival booth. Elena has other ideas.
With Gabi out of town and Sam at his poker game, Bobby and Elena throw a party.
Elena creates a new rebellious internet persona and loses herself a little in the process.
Elena discovers that all of her friends have already had their first kisses.
Elena finally gets the school to change its mascot, but students turn against her in the process.
