Often, people fear change due to the belief that something worse is waiting on the other side. At least that was the case for me. Although I had heard great things about SAS from older peers, I was unsure about taking the leap and actually going for it. Safe to say it was the best decision I made.
As a kid, I often chased titles and accolades, believing they were the most important things in order to achieve success. At SAS, however, I learned that true success stems from the values that one has and the way they impact others. I came in with the main goal of gaining admission to a prestigious university, and instead learned lessons that will help me lead a successful life wherever I go. The people I have met at SAS have molded my worldview in extraordinary ways. I learned from my friends that no challenge is too hard to overcome and no goal is too unachievable, as long as we remain dedicated, humble, and passionate. Being surrounded by people who had the same mindset made difficult chemistry problems and long essay assignments so much easier to handle. From my physics professor, Professor Gibert, I learned that true intelligence involves less knowing and more trying. His class, filled with light-hearted jokes that would end up turning into some type of philosophy lesson, showed me that learning can be enjoyable, even if it involves hours of practice and struggle.
Academically, I learned to break from my comfort zone and tackle the hardest problems with resilience, lessons I applied to other aspects of my life. Whether it was analyzing “The Fountainhead” with Ms.Ruiz (who was an English teacher and best friend all in one), unwillingly solving Macroeconomic problems with Mr.Orichio (who made figuring out supply and demand shifts somehow fun), or taking the role of historical characters in Mr.Leon’s APUSH class, I fell in love with learning even when it was hard. The school’s partnership with MDC gave me access to research, advanced coursework, and inspiring mentors who encouraged me to use my voice beyond the classroom. I ran for District SGA President, and though I lost, I discovered the power of student advocacy. Later, as the voting District Liaison, I spoke on school board bills and began making a real impact. With support from mentors like Mr. Lindsay, I built the confidence to apply for the Silver Knight and earned an Honorable Mention in my category. Yet here’s the thing: by then, I wasn’t chasing titles anymore. I was chasing impact. SAS helped me realize that true fulfillment comes from serving your community and standing up for what matters.
Apart from the lessons learned, the fun I had was absolutely unmatched. With flexible schedules, I was able to play ping pong and pool with my friends before high school classes or go play music with other students in Dr.Mitchell’s music room. Our annual SAS picnics, monthly activities, and school dances were moments where I made my favorite memories. SAS pushed academics, but made sure students got to bear the fruits of their hard work with equally exciting activities. I’ll never forget setting up for our campus’s potlucks and talent shows with other members of SGA, moments of stress, but so much laughter and bonding.
To all those reading this testimonial, I know you may feel nervous, unsure, or worried about what may happen if you take this leap. Familiarity provides a huge sense of comfort, but placing your trust in the unfamiliar can lead to experiences and connections that are more incredible than anything you expect. Change is constant, and change is good. Make a positive change in your life by choosing SAS. I know I definitely did.
Bhavya Kumar
SAS West Campus, Class of 2025
UCLA, Class of 2029
