Find and follow your bliss. It's okay if your bliss changes.
/My time in high school
Attended high school in the
2000s
Overall high school experience
7/10. What made my high school experience great was the teachers, the campus community, the courses that were offered, and having a close group of friends.
Grades in high school
A's and B's. I cared about my grades, but I wasn't focused on them all the time. I felt that teachers didn't use your grades as leverage.
Best subjects
English, History / Social Studies, Visual Arts
Struggled with...
Math because I had always struggled with the subject. It depended on the teacher and how it was being taught. I also didn't put a lot of effort into trying to study for it or understanding it.
Favorite extracurricular
Arts / Crafts
Life since high school
“Palo Alto has certainly changed since I went to high school there. But I am glad I went to school in Palo Alto. When I am teaching, I remind myself to be more like the teachers I had in Palo Alto. Palo Alto can be a bubble, so you have to be motivated to step out of that.”
Attended college / university at
Otis College of Art and Design
Majored in
I majored in Fine Arts.
Post-graduate education or training
I received my teaching credential from San Jose State, to teach high school art. I took a couple courses at Foothill College after graduating from college as something to do before starting the credential program.
Places lived in US
California
Current occupations / past occupations
high school art teacher
Industries I've worked in
- Educational Services
Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
Mostly.
A little introspection...
To me, being successful means...
finding something that you're passionate about and following that passion. realizing and living your dream(s).
My definition of success has changed over time.
The older you become, the more perspective you have about things. You have experiences to think about. You see how others have dealt with having success or you meet others who feel like they haven't been successful yet.
My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
Getting a job. Finding a job takes patience, as well as timing.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Palo Alto has certainly changed since I went to high school there. But I am glad I went to school in Palo Alto. When I am teaching, I remind myself to be more like the teachers I had in Palo Alto. Palo Alto can be a bubble, so you have to be motivated to step out of that.
This alumni is open to your questions and follow-ups.
In order to protect anonymity, we will pass along your message and they can choose whether to respond.
My favorite spot in or around Palo Alto
Mitchell Park, because I have many memories from hanging out there, including [middle school name omitted] and the (former) Mitchell Park Library.
