Finding meaning through helping others
/My time in high school
Attended high school in the
2000s
Overall high school experience
8/10. Didn't love my high school as much as other communities in my life, but I had a good experience and enjoyed aspects of the school. I also got a great education.
Grades in high school
Mostly A's
Favorite subjects
History / Social Studies, Foreign Language
Struggled with...
Science. I don't think I had great teachers, but I never was able to see the bigger picture the way I could with other subjects. I thought I just didn't have a "science brain", but recently I have been trying to learn science on my own and am having much more success with it, it feels good to prove myself wrong.
Favorite extracurricular
Community Service / Social Activism
Life since high school
“High school definitely prepared me academically for college, but I also learned so much more in college beyond academics, like how to make a social impact, how to lead a team, understanding cultural differences. These “out of the classroom” experiences are what I take with me much more than what was on my tests.”
Attended college / university at
Brandeis University
Majored in
Hispanic Studies
Places lived in US
California, Massachusetts
Places lived outside the US
Argentina for a semester abroad
Current occupations / past occupations
I'm an educator, I've taught elementary school, currently I work in extracurricular after school programs I also interned at a social service non-profit
Industries I've worked in
- Educational Services
- Nonprofit
Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
high school definitely prepared me academically for college, but I also learned so much more in college beyond academics, like how to make a social impact, how to lead a team, understanding cultural differences. These "out of the classroom" experiences are what I take with me much more than what was on my tests.
A little introspection...
To me, being successful means...
Helping improve the lives of others
My definition of success has changed over time.
I see how you can make mistakes along the way and still end up being successful
My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
Being someone that younger people look up to and come to for help. I've learned that by being myself and by putting forth confidence and enthusiasm I can help others feel more comfortable with themselves, too.
My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
I don't frame things that way, I see every step in my journey as leading to being more successful in the future.
An unexpected event that significantly changed my life and how it impacted me
Due to staff changes the culture of my work environment changed drastically. It helped give me a greater understanding and appreciation for people who do things that contribute to a better work environment, and it helped me see how I already do those things and how I can do them more.
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
The Baylands!
