Meet AVID Alumni
Read this page to meet some AVID alumni from Steele! Find out why they joined AVID as well as their advice for students. Simply just hover over the photo!!
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Class of 2008-2020
Lysette Mata (Sanchez)
Registered Nurse -
Always follow your ambitions and goals and never stop focusing on your education.
Robbie Swartchick
Billing for a Travel Nurse Agency -
I joined AVID in 9th grade to help prepare me for college. I always knew I wanted to go to college but did not know the skills needed to get there. I honestly owe all my success in life to AVID. I was the only one out of my close group of friends in high school to go to and graduate from a 4 year university. I even met my wife in AVID. While attending SDSU my now wife and I were AVID tutors. AVID helped keep me focused.
Alexis Simmons (Napier)
Psychology-Physician's Assistant -
I wanted to be prepared for college because I knew it would be challenging. I am grateful that AVID did that and more. In my college courses, I am typically ahead of my classmates in understanding classroom content and organization. If I am not ahead, I am able to quickly adjust to Professor expectations because of what I learned in AVID. Learn how to advocate for yourself to teachers because In college you will need this skills. Utilize your AVID teacher when learning this skill, they always have your back. Also, learning what organization system works best for them when completing school work.
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Chris Hostetler
Business Administration/Political Sci; GEICO Claims Manager -
Be aggressive with your studies. What you learn and the processes you establish will carry over throughout the rest of your life and are an easy way to develop GRIT. Be open to new ideas and continue to diversify what you are learning and who you know. These relationships will allow you a better transition into college and then the job market.
David Mai
Technical Training - Cell Therapy
Overall I wanted to prepare for college and have extra help with school. However, I received much more than that and have been able to take along life skills that I use in both my professional and daily life. Intrinsically I know if I had not been in AVID I would not be where I am today. I think students should focus on organizing their path to success. You don't have to plan out your entire life but you should definitely write down your future goals. I find the really important part is to set time aside to reevaluate the progress you have made and whether you are satisfied with that. Dream big and filling in those gaps will be much easier than you may have thought.
Taylor Akers
Teacher/Biologist -
Don’t worry about trying to decide what you want to “do” with your life, as if your decision now will set your future in stone. Things are constantly changing, and time provides us with perspectives and experiences that shape us. Oh, and have some fun! Organization (of physical things and information), time management, prioritizing and balancing all the “to do”s with your physical and mental health. Take deep breaths, write a new list of priorities frequently and adopt a healthy routine of exercise, and meditation. Dance while your onions sauté.
Edmond Jacob
Data Science/ Substitute Teacher -
Focus on time management like planning out each day and finishing assignments early just in case things come up during the week and you can sleep earlier each night and don't procrastinate
Maddie O
B.A. in English -
Keep going no matter what route you take! Keep focusing on your goals and do what is best for you. Everyone has a different path.
Jovahn Thomas
M.A. in Education - Substitute Teacher/ Priv. Tutor -
As great as you think you're doing, find out how you can do even better than your own best. Think about the bigger picture, create a beautiful vision for yourself, and use that as the guiding force to lead to your success.
Sekani Robinson
Sociology/ PhD Candidate -
Really research and explore colleges outside of California. Don’t shy away from Ivy leagues. Really decide what your interest are and where you see yourself living and what you’ll be doing in the future.
Danika Voight
Masters Student at Pepperdine University -
Believe in yourself regardless of how others see you! Get the support now while you can
Jacquline Magdaleno
Nursing w/ Minor in Photography -
Continue living for you and also appreciate who and what is around you one day it’ll change and you’ll want to go back and appreciate it more. Learn how to take chances on what you want, how to overcome the overthinking or what if’s and just go for it. As well as accept that sometimes failure will come when you do try and it’s nothing to get down on yourself about, understand that if you can continue to learn and adapt success will eventually come.
Andre Fitzmaurice
Assistant Manager of Sherwin Williams in Phoenix Arizona -
Don’t over do it. Give it your all with what you can control. Simply be yourself. Time is the essence of everything important in this world. It takes time to learn, to have fun, and to work hard. Manage it correctly and the world will open up an abundance of different doors. But also enjoy the time that you have
Andre Fitzmaurice
Assistant Manager of Sherwin Williams in Phoenix Arizona -
Don’t over do it. Give it your all with what you can control. Simply be yourself. Time is the essence of everything important in this world. It takes time to learn, to have fun, and to work hard. Manage it correctly and the world will open up an abundance of different doors. But also enjoy the time that you have
Lauren Fleming
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering; Engineer at a Medical Device Company -
Figure out the best ways to teach yourself curriculum while in high school. It's great that teachers give you so many learning resources now, but soon you'll have to do it yourself. Pivot your approach to school away from a checklist that needs to be completed and instead focus on the aspects of learning that interest you. Take time to pause and think about what you're passionate about. If it fits with your skill set, then follow that
Roberto Abril Valenzuela
Physics PhD Student -
Research, plan ahead, and be yourself. Focus on yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions at any time!
Josh Palmer
Public Administration Major/Site Safety & Health Officer -
You're not as strong or as important as you think you are! So take time to form better relationships with others and value the good things in your life since there's a lot of challenges ahead. Putting more effort into understanding rather than just memorizing. Also, find ways to personally connect to what you're learning so that you can be interested in what's being taught to you.
Marlon Macalindal
BS Kinesiology/ BA Asian American Studies -
#1 MAKE STUDY GROUPS WITH FRIENDS. If Pre Calc with Mrs. B taught me anything at SCHS it was studying with friends is much much muuuuch better and productive with other people. Doing this will also open up your friend circle which is always fun. #2 If you work in college, make sure you request time off during test seasons. Give yourself that study and rest time. Nothing is more stressful than working during finals week. #3 GO TO OFFICE HOURS! It not only helps you study but it helps you build a relationship with your professors. Make sure you leave a good lasting impression because you can always go back to them for things like letters of rec.
Akira Hood
Volunteer Coordinator -
I joined AVID because I wanted the tools and support to get in college and to succeed in college. I wanted to set myself up for success in high school so that the transition for college would be easier. Build good study habits while you're in high school so you know how to study in college. Also, learn how to manage your time. In college you’re given a lot of down time so learn how to balance your social and academic life. Doing this will allow you to enjoy college while getting good grades.
Marlon Macalinda
BS in Kinesiology/BA in Asian American Studies
#1 MAKE STUDY GROUPS WITH FRIENDS. If Pre Calc with Mrs. B taught me anything at SCHS it was studying with friends is much much muuuuch better and productive with other people. Doing this will also open up your friend circle which is always fun. #2 If you work in college, make sure you request time off during test seasons. Give yourself that study and rest time. Nothing is more stressful than working during finals week. #3 GO TO OFFICE HOURS! It not only helps you study but it helps you build a relationship with your professors. Make sure you leave a good lasting impression because you can always go back to them for things like letters of rec.