AVID
STUDENT VOICE
What A
means to us
dvancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college-readiness program that helps students overcome obstacles and achieve success. Not only do students in the program receive support through their academics, the AVID program helps students find the best versions of themselves and helps forge a strong foundation for postsecondary success. Senior students Jessica Silva and Alejandro Arevalo Mendoza, as well as Saul Montenegro of the class of 2018 want to share their experiences with families who might be interested in the program.
“Starting the first day of high school, the AVID program has positively impacted me and prepared me for the real world, and has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. I applied to AVID because I was interested in earning scholarships and going to college, but I have gained much more than I expected. At the beginning of my Freshman year, I was desperate to find a friend in everyone I met, but they did not last. During my Sophomore year, I found that my closest friends were (and are still) actually my AVID peers. Throughout high school, my AVID family has made every second a moment worth remembering. I felt safe to open up and be myself when I was with my AVID peers. I felt confident to start pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Junior year, I ran for an officer position in the AVID Club and was elected as President, and Vice President for Key Club! This year, my Senior year, I stepped out of my comfort zone again and was elected as the Senior Class President, while serving as the Key Club President and the AVID Club Treasurer. AVID has provided me the opportunity to advance myself and demonstrate my leadership skills. Most importantly, AVID has helped me realize that it’s okay to say ‘No,’ go home, and take a break. AVID provided me with the resources I need for real-world success ranging from organization skills and presentation skills, mock interviews, and resume building. Through AVID, I was able to apply and enter the Achieving a College Education Program at Estrella Mountain Community College where I have taken college classes since summer of my Junior year.” Alejandro Arevalo Mendoza has eight college acceptances, nearly 30 college credits and over $400,000 in scholarship offers. He plans on attending Northern Arizona University to major in Mechanical Engineering.
8 APRIL 2022
