Reflections From The Hill

Initially, I was drawn to the school's beautiful campus and ideal location. I was captivated by the strong science department, especially how the curriculum incorporates research in the Scientific Research class. Some of my favorite activities include studying abroad in Lima, Peru; volunteering at a clinic in the Los Angeles area; hosting exchange students; and interning at NASA's JPL and Stanford Medicine. My favorite classes have been Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Physics, and Scientific Research, and although I love science, the teachers have made the classes even more enjoyable! I plan to become a cardiothoracic surgeon or anesthesiologist. I love how boarding on campus feels similar to college life. It's helped me develop independence, communication skills, and a sense of exploration, and I enjoy forming connections with girls from all over the world. My advice to new boarding students: explore as many new opportunities as possible, take classes that excite you, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the experience and remember to find balance between academics and fun tailored to your goals.

I never understood what people meant when they described events as bittersweet until I found myself dressed in a long white graduation gown, walking down a red carpet to receive my high school diploma from Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. The most valuable teachings I would take from my four years at FSHA were the ones taught without my knowledge, most of which were a result of simply being in an all girls' environment. I distinctly remember Sr. Carolyn urging my graduating class to trust that the teachings we received at FSHA would remain with us for a lifetime, and for that reason, we would never truly leave the Hill. Being educated in a school made up of confident, beautiful, intelligent women was a privilege for which I will be thankful for the rest of my life. In this safe space, I was able to understand and put into practice how an empowered, independent woman lives her life. After graduation, I attended UC Santa Barbara, and my experience at FSHA helped me to navigate the college with ease. My values and strong sense of self were so deeply engrained in my identity while at FSHA that I can focus on having a profound college experience without temptations. When I get nervous out here in this new, uncharted territory, I still twist my ever-present Junior Ring on my finger for comfort and confidence in myself, planted deep within me by my wonderful years at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy.

I am a member of the Sophomore Board and a Class Representative. I am an Ambassador, a member of the Aloha Kai Club, Student Mission Committee, Round Square, and I play volleyball and softball. My favorite spot on campus is Crane Field. It makes me feel on top of the world and the view is incredible, especially at night. My proudest accomplishment is mastering a second language by my sophomore year. My favorite class is biology, Dr. Krider is brilliant and the class is extremely engaging and super interesting! Flintridge Sacred Heart is always brimming with enthusiasm. It is a safe place to explore my passions, interests, and to become a woman of faith, integrity and truth. My advice to incoming students would be to familiarize yourself with the plethora of opportunities at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy so you can begin school being involved.

My proudest accomplishment so far is when our Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy soccer team made it to the Western States Championships and placed 3rd amongst teams from all across the Western United States. My favorite classes are English and ceramics. I like English because we always have fun and engaging class discussions on poetry or literature. I enjoy ceramics and making my ideas come to life through art. I love how welcoming everyone is and how easy it is to talk to people. The teachers are invested in all the students and really want us all to succeed. I have no doubt that Flintridge Sacred Heart has been the perfect fit for me. I'm very happy here.

I am an active participant of the speech and debate team as an impromptu speaker. Additionally, I am one of the founders of the Boyle Heights Immersion Program, president of the First Generation Student affinity group, part of the Library Advisory Board and Teaching Youth Political Engagement Board. My favorite spot on campus is the terrace outside of the Art building because it has such a beautiful view of the hill, the city and the Rose Bowl. I hope to become an immigration or criminal justice lawyer and eventually run for a political position. My proudest accomplishment so far is contributing to start the Boyle Heights Immersion Program. As someone who was born and raised in Boyle Heights, I wanted to show our community the beauty, history and culture of this unique part of Los Angeles. What I love about Flintridge Sacred Heart is the sisterhood I have experienced through my classmates and friends around the hill, at retreats, clubs, and teams, anytime I need support or encouragement I know I can rely on them for help, advice and comfort.