From a young age, this iUniversity Prep senior has enjoyed history and debate. Her time at iUniversity Prep has continued to foster her future aspirations and she now sees her future in law. She is also an active participant in the local teen court program. Learn more about her path and how school is preparing her with the needed skills.
Tell us about your educational interests and future career goals.
I am currently interested in studying economics and hopefully going into law school. As for my career goals, my dream professions are serving as a judge, constitutional lawyer, or economist. Who knows? I might become all three.
How long have you been a student at iUniversity Prep and what is the school like?
I am in my second year at iUniversity Prep. The three words I would use to describe iUniversity Prep are amazing, supportive, and flexible. Some of my favorite moments at school have been during live lessons because of how creative the teachers are in coming up with fun activities. They are always engaging and allow us to connect with our classmates. The teachers and counselors have supported me by always being available to answer questions or guide me through challenges like the college application process. One of the best features about school, though, is the flexibility. I have been able to excel in school while maintaining a variety of extracurriculars with an emphasis on community service.
What interested you in law and what specifically do you want to do in that profession?
Since a young age, I have enjoyed debate and the subject of world history, probably because of frequent conversations with my history-buff grandfather. By early high school, I discovered the Texas Citizen Bee Competition which tests your knowledge of American history, current events, important figures, the government, and the Constitution. I knew I had to compete. It was during my preparation for the competition that I learned about landmark cases and our Constitutional rights. Constitutional law has been a passion of mine ever since, so I would be happy working as an attorney who defends our rights or as a judge who upholds the law.
How has the school supported you in preparing you for the future?
iUniveristy Prep and GCISD have fostered my love for history, civics, and service, thus helping me in realizing my dreams for the future. Attending an online school has helped me to develop more self-responsibility, the ability to ask for help, and greater intentionality while forming relationships and completing work. These are skills that I will need for the rest of my life, so I’m thankful to have learned them now with iUniversity Prep.
Why did you decide to get involved in Teen Court, tell us about what you do, and what has been your biggest takeaway?
Quickly after finding the Texas Citizen Bee and becoming interested in law, I looked for more ways of participating in civics. Once I discovered the Metroport Teen Court in Southlake, I began volunteering as a jury member and was later invited to become a teen attorney. In fact, I will be celebrating my third anniversary as a teen attorney in a couple of weeks. The Metroport Teen Court allows youth who have committed Class C misdemeanors across Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville, and Keller to make up for their citations through volunteering and participation in the Teen Court. Teen attorneys work as either prosecution or defense to convince the jury of a reasonable number of service hours for defendants based on the misdemeanor committed. The program promotes service in the community and educates young people on how the judicial system works. My biggest takeaway from the experience is that there is a group of fantastic adults who work to support the futures of youth in our area. These men and women are police officers, local attorneys, judges, volunteers, and our Teen Court Coordinator Dana Kirkland. Having spent numerous hours working alongside them, I am greatly inspired by their dedication to helping young people prepare for a successful future, and I am thankful for the opportunity to support the court’s mission.
In what school activities are you involved and what do you think of the extracurricular opportunities offered at iUP?
I love the variety of clubs and activities offered at iUP since there is truly something for everyone. In the couple of years that I have been at our school, I have been involved in the Cooking Club, the World Cultures Club, National Honors Society, and, as of this year, Owl Pals. Owl Pals is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve been involved with at iUP. It has given me the opportunity to be a student leader and mentor younger students on how to excel in a virtual environment. Outside of school, I have volunteered as a teacher’s assistant at the Colleyville Public Library for elementary-aged STEAM classes, won two Official President’s Volunteer Service awards, spent the past two summers working at Riverbend Retreat Center in Glen Rose, Texas, and am currently working as the newsletter editor for our local Mensa chapter, Mensa76. I would not have had the time to dedicate myself to all of these endeavors without the privilege of being a student at iUniversity Prep.
What would you say to someone who is not familiar with iUniversity Prep?
For anyone who does not know about iUniversity Prep, I would say that we are a school that fosters a positive community for students of all backgrounds and interests, and our students have a unique opportunity to excel both inside and outside of a school environment. At iUniversity Prep, kids receive an excellent education, learn from supportive and dedicated teachers, and are encouraged to pursue their passions at the same time.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I am grateful for the time I have spent at iUniversity Prep and GCISD. As a senior, there is no place I’d rather be to finish my high school career. My teachers, counselors, and Principal Weiche have been crucial in preparing me for the future to come. For anyone interested in getting involved in a worthwhile endeavor, check out the Metroport Teen Court website for how to sign up as a volunteer.