As a founding member of California’s first public, college-preparatory boarding school, SEED LA junior Aline is already a trailblazer. The future first-generation college graduate is interested in a career in medicine, and she saw SEED as the perfect launchpad.
Discovering Her Potential
Over the past three years, Aline has gained confidence and developed the skills to seize opportunities as they arise. SEED's comprehensive program, encompassing academics, extracurricular activities, and vibrant student life, exposes students like Aline to a diverse range of experiences that help them discover their passions and define their future goals. As Aline herself notes, “I think receiving a boarding school education has helped me in many ways. I’ve built skills that I didn’t have such as networking and speaking skills, and I’m able to present tolarge groups.”
Aline has embraced a spirit of exploration at SEED, diving into a wide range of experiences – from entrepreneurship and government to coast-to-coast travel and international adventures. She has traveled to Miami to compete in the 10X Entrepreneurship Program, participated in the Harvard Model Congress in San Francisco, and went on SEED’s annual trip to Brazil with her peers from across the SEED Network.
Aline also actively seeks opportunities to represent her school in the community through her role as a student ambassador. “As a student ambassador, I give tours and help at student recruitment fairs throughout LA. I talk to kids about why they should enroll at SEED LA. I now like networking with other students and people.” One of the most significant changes she recognizes is her newfound willingness to embrace challenges. "When I was first presented with opportunities as a freshman at SEED, I had mixed feelings," she recalls. "I wasn't certain they were for me. I didn't think I was good enough, or I might not get picked. But now I know I am not going to learn anything if I don't try. I'm no longer scared of failure. If I make mistakes—I will learn and grow from it."
Looking to the Future
Aline has been focused on college and career since middle school. When she found out about LA’s first STEM-focused public, college-preparatory boarding school, she jumped at the chance to be part of its first class. She has been participating in college exposure opportunities since her first year, including touring college campuses from California to Washington, D.C., speaking to college representatives, and attending college fairs.
In addition to college knowledge and exposure throughout high school, Aline has one-on-one guidance through the college application and selection process, including learning about right fit colleges. “My college counselor is talking to me about what I can do to be ready for college. I’m excited to begin working on my personal statement with my counselor this year.”
When she enters her senior year next year, she has her sights set on elite schools to help her reach her goals. “I am applying to all Ivy League schools and to Howard University. When I graduate, I plan to attend medical school to pursue my interest in the medical field. I want to study neuroscience and become a neurosurgeon.”Aline’s personal experience is a major driver to her plans to help people through the medical field. “I have a lot of passion to help others,” she says. “My mother has cancer—and I want to help people like people are helping my mother.”
Cultivating Resilience
Aline is well on her way to achieving her dreams, putting in the hard work and seizing each opportunity that comes her way. She will have the support of SEED throughout her journey, celebrating her successes and helping her navigate challenges. From high school, to college, to medical school, SEED will be right there.
“I don’t lose anything from experimenting and taking chances. If my middle school self could see me now—she would be like, wow!”
