Wonderful Westview Alumni News

Wonderful Westview Alumni News

Irvin Soeriawinata

Irvin started Westview in Lower Elementary, and after six years as a student, his family relocated internationally to Oman. Since the Fall of 2022, Irvin has attended middle school at The American International School of Muscat (TAISM). Some of his best Westview memories are video game parties, lock-ins, Camp For All, and spelling and vocabulary tests every Friday. Irvin says that Westview helped him be more organized and credits a smooth transition to TAISM, thanks to his education from Westview. He said, "I can speak to many people more fluently and have more self-confidence in talking to many boys and girls in my new school." He gives this advice to current Westview students, "If [you think] school is pretty boring, don't worry! The teachers are nice and will help you and try to make learning as fun as possible."

Patricia Farmer

Patricia's best memories of Westview are fun times in Mrs Jonni's class, Family Fun Day, and, of course, her Westview teachers. She was a Westview student from 2007 to 2012 before transitioning to public school in Cy-Fair. Patricia is currently part of the PATHS program at Texas A&M, where she is studying to be a paraprofessional. At Westview, Patricia says she learned ways to be patient and develop study habits. While attending college, Patricia lives independently in College Station, uses public transportation, and makes everyday decisions for herself. She credits Westview with helping her try new things and learning that it's okay to make mistakes.

SOHAM MEDIWALA

Soham attended Westview for eight years and left to complete middle school at The Branch School He attends high school at Energy Institute High School, a magnet school geared towards engineering and design. Soham has rave reviews for high school. He describes Energy as a "super fun, unique and encouraging school that encourages a sense of community, aims to make the lessons as friendly and unique as possible, and encourages students' personal growth " His favorite school activity is debate, which Soham says helps him grow, be more confident, make new friends, and be a better speaker. Soham has great memories of his time at Westview and shared that his 4th-grade year was his favorite. His best memories are weekly chess clubs with Mr. Dawkins and lockins where he would stay up late, hang with classmates, and have fun Soham said his time at Westview helped him to "grow and thrive" and realize his "strengths and weaknesses." Soham shared this with Westview students, "No goal is out of reach. If you want something, it may take a lot of time, and you might not even succeed at first, but if you have the dedication and persistence, you can achieve it."

Maya Salama

"The wonderful teachers!" is what Maya remembers most about Westview She was a student from Preschool through Kindergarten and attended Elementary School at Corpus Christi Catholic School. Some of her favorite subjects are science and math. She loves chess, tennis, and swimming. "I also love playing teacher," Maya says. Maybe she is inspired by her former teachers from Westview. Maya shared that the "great teachers and therapists at Westview helped me learn to focus and have patience." She said that Westview challenged her every day to reach her highest potential. "I used to have a hard time working in groups and being flexible," Maya said. "Westview changed that for me." Maya is proud that after leaving Westview, she was accepted into all three schools she applied to! "Westview was so personal and thorough with their guidance and support," she said. "I am thriving in school and have made all A's in all my subjects!" Maya advises current Westview students, "You can be anything you want to be! Be patient and never give up! Never let anyone tell you can't do something "

MADDY LEE

Maddy began Westview in 2011 as a preschool student. After six years, she transitioned to public school in Houston ISD, where she finished her elementary and middle school years. Maddy will be a 9th grader at Lamar High School and is excited to be enrolled in the culinary arts program there "I love making scrambled eggs," said Maddy. "I also make really good iced coffee," she said. "It's my favorite drink." Maddy also enjoys choir and music in high school. She plays guitar and has a knack for teaching herself songs on the piano. Her favorite subject in school is history because "it's like listening to stories " Maddy credits Westview with helping her gain confidence and learn how to stand up for herself. Maddy encourages students to "embrace your autism because it's part of who you are, and you are great!"

Deniz Dilci

Deniz attended Westview from 2004 to 2016. He completed Westview Middle School and attended high school at Gateway Academy, where he graduated in 2020. Deniz starts his senior year at Lone Star College in Tomball this fall Some classes he is taking are Principles of Business Management, Business Principles, Academic Readiness, Career Path Exploration, and Networking & Customer Service. Part of the college program at Lonestar places Deniz in various internships. "I am indeed proud to tell you I have done 7 to 8 internships at different types of places," shared Deniz He plans to begin an internship at Honda of Tomball in the fall Deniz credits Westview for helping build a foundation and structure for learning. "They helped me succeed," said Deniz. "And, luckily, I was able to take off and create a future." Deniz has this advice for Westview students, "Work hard. This will help you get accepted into a high school or college too "

Rising Stars

SUCCESS STORIES

The Westview School is an important piece of the educational journey for students of all ages While some students attend Westview for 10+ years, for others Westview is a short stop on their path to learning. Either way, every student who has attended Westview holds a special place in our history, and we love to hear about wins, successes, and the lasting effects Westview has made on our former students social and academic futures as they continue on in different programs.

JOHN DAVID HALL

John David Hall attended Westview from 2020-2022. He is heading into third grade in Spring Branch ISD. He loves recess and math. John David credits Westview with having confidence in himself, friends that he still sees, and a community that loves and cares about him!

ALEXA ALONSO

Alexa Alonso attended Westview from 2018 to 2022. She currently attends elementary school in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Alexa's mom shared that Westview helped in every positive way possible. Alexa is able to go through a whole school day with little to zero difficulties. If it weren't for Alexa's time at Westview, she wouldn't be doing so well in public school

Bright Future Ahead

JACKSON MCGINNIS

We recently heard from Trevor McGinnis, dad to Jackson, about Jackson's journey post-Westview and the plans Jackson has for his future.

Jackson first attended Westview at age 2 ½ and remained a student through 7th grade. After leaving Westview, Jackson attended Gateway Academy for his high school years, graduating in May of 2023. This summer, Jackson is at Texas A&M, attending the PATHS program. He's currently living on campus in the dorms!

The PATHS program consists of a Summer session and then a two-year program through which, upon completion, Jackson will receive a paraprofessional certificate.

This program will guide Jackson towards a career path in education as a teacher's aide/assistant working with other children and young adults with special needs or learning disabilities.

Jackson's desire to pursue this certificate was in part because he realized how many people in his life (including those at Westview) were instrumental in his development and wanted to play that same role for others.

In addition to the education Westview provided, Westview also assisted Jackson with speech and motor skills. Today, Jackson is a very confident public speaker and has a really good jump shot in basketball. Lastly, Westview, its teachers, and support staff helped Jackson find his confidence. Everyone was so supportive of his growth and development. Jackson felt very much at home while at Westview, which helped prepare him for what was to come.