Nadia started attending Rainier Valley Leadership Academy (RVLA) in the 6th grade. Although her mom gave her the choice to stay or transfer to a traditional public high school in Seattle, Nadia chose to remain at RVLA all the way through high school graduation. She explained in her senior spotlight interview that, “I wanted to be in a small class and be able to talk to the teachers. The teachers actually talked about themselves and we would bond quicker with each other. It’s a fun open space to share about yourself.”
Finding Her Voice
As Nadia progressed through high school, she found that her teachers’ commitment to their students made all the difference. “If other people know one thing about our school, I want them to know the importance of the teachers. They actually take their job very seriously.” She’s grown significantly as a person during her time at RVLA. Her willingness to try new things has been a direct result of her teachers’ encouragement. “If I hadn’t been at RVLA, I wouldn’t be as confident as I am right now. I used to be really scared and keep to myself, but now I’ve found my voice and am more open to bonding with other people.” When reflecting on what she is most proud, participating in the school’s Leadership class stands out most. “We sat down to talk directly with one of the school’s board members and it was really fun. We spoke from our point of view about things we wanted to change and things we had heard from other students.”
A Safe Place
On her personal growth journey to be more open to new experiences, Nadia had multiple mentors at RVLA . “I was getting to the point of wanting to do new things but something was stopping me. My Leadership teacher pushed me to pursue things that I would have been too nervous or shy to do before. He pushed me to be more open.” Nadia is very close to her parents, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico, and her Spanish teacher helped her appreciate the full depth of her own cultural experiences. “When I started his class, I wouldn’t talk as much, but he helped me learn about how I can translate for other people and to be proud of my culture and my heritage. He also helped me learn how to put the work in for the goals I set for myself.”
“Overall, it’s a safe place to be,” Nadia explained. Her close relationships with her teachers allowed her to push herself academically and the curriculum kept pace with her learning style. “The teachers would always be patient with any questions or doubts. They would take the time to go back and explain it another way. If I moved ahead of where we were in class, they would include new things for me.” Art and science classes turned out to be her favorite, and she considers herself very creative.
Take It Slow
For new students at RVLA, Nadia advises them to take it slow. “Take one step at a time and be proud of the things you accomplish.” It’s easy to get disappointed, she said, but if you focus on yourself and be responsible, “then you can have fun and enjoy the time, too.” She is hopeful students recognize the excellent teachers they have. “There are people there who actually care about their students.”
What’s Next
For the past year, Nadia has been taking Running Start classes off-campus. She is pursuing her Associate of Science degree through the Seattle Promise program that covers any tuition expenses remaining after financial aid and scholarships. After one more year of classes at Seattle Central College, she plans to transfer to a 4-year university and pursue a degree in the medical field. “Since I was little, I wanted to be a doctor and help people. My mom helped me see that I can help people who don’t have the resources to visit a doctor.” Nadia’s desire to help is embedded in her personality. Her friends call her “the mother” of their friend group because, “I’m always making sure they’re okay and doing what they need to.”
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Nadia, we are so proud of all that you’ve done and can only imagine what good you’ll continue to create in the world in the years to come. Congratulations on graduation and thank you for contributing to our community!