Iania Beemon’s ‘Leap’ Earns Her Prestigious Gates Scholarship

I am Iania Beemon, a proud graduate of the Perspectives/IIT Math & Science Academy, Class of 2023. I took the leap with Perspectives four years ago when I started my high school journey. I did not know what was in store for me and my classmates, but we embraced every challenge that came our way and demonstrated perseverance to overcome them.

When I reflect on my time as a Perspectives student, I realize how the 26 A Disciplined Life® principles improved my outlook when challenges arose. More importantly, these principles continue to help me conquer new obstacles. Principles like “be open-minded,” “demonstrate perseverance,” and “be a life-long learner” have allowed me to explore various angles and approaches to tackle problems and situations, seeking the optimal solutions.

My path to becoming Perspectives’ first winner of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation scholarship was a long one, and I know the 26 ADL principles helped equip me to take the leap and persevere through the rigorous application process.

When my college counselor, Mrs. Choice, suggested that I apply for the Gates Scholarship, I had deep reservations. Submitting my application was more an act of trust in Mrs. Choice’s judgment than genuine self-belief. However, as I progressed through each stage in the application process and received email after email, I began to think differently, and the results turned in my favor. I was astounded upon receiving the email announcing my selection as a Gates Scholar.

Now that I am in college, I understand the significance of having an “all-expenses paid” college experience. I could not have accomplished this without the support of the amazing Perspectives Charter School staff and my own dedication to applying the ADL principles to my life.

Because our Class of 2023 experienced the start of the COVID-19 pandemic during our freshman year, we are, in fact, the first class of graduates for whom our entire high school experience was in a pandemic or post-pandemic world.

Thanks to the scholarship, I can attend college without worrying about paying tuition, and I am grateful to Mrs. Choice for pushing me to apply and helping me fulfill my dream. I will always take the leap!

Panorama, cited by Tyton Partners, supported by CASEL and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as the #1 social-emotional learning measurement tool, in a 2022 report, confirms that our A Disciplined Life® model works. When compared to similar schools nationwide, Perspectives’ students fall into the following percentiles for their ability to:

80th Percentile

Use strategies to manage their learning processes and exhibit resilience

70th Percentile

Regulate and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in difficult situations