As most high school graduates, we are very thankful for reaching that milestone, and even though we are planning for future undertakings, we do ponder next steps. That reminds me of the words of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. who said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”
Recent graduate Isabella Rainbolt is now attending college. I asked and she willingly agreed to provide information to those in high school who can benefit from her experiences.
“I’m sure that it’s common knowledge that teachers in high school constantly repeat the phrase, ‘That won’t fly in college,’ and sure, sometimes that’s true,” the 2021 graduate said. “However, what I have learned as a recent high school graduate and a new college student is that there are so many more opportunities for growth and learning.”
She said she regrets boxing herself in so much in high school. She was so worried about percentages and letters that she didn’t allow herself to open her eyes and actually take in what was being presented. A comment that she made was one that many of us also made in high school: “I remember always thinking to myself, ‘When am I actually going to need this in the real world?’”
An essay she’s currently working on should “include creative, original ideas.” Not only does her professor ask this of them, but she teaches them how, and encourages them, to find these ideas within, Isabella said. Her words “get into groups.” Those three words were enough to make Isabella’s heart beat out of her chest, she said.
Isabella encourages students to do group assignments because the dreaded group work from high school will follow you to college, but this quickly turns into a phrase that you hope to hear in class. Being in a collaborative group helps one be bounce ideas around for creative expansion. She also said, “This makes understanding assignments and being social 100-times easier.”
Many remember that in college, everyone is looking for a friend.
In Isabella’s communications class, her first real assignment was to give a speech introducing herself to the class. About 85% of the people in her class ended their speech by saying, “If you want to be friends, I want to be friends, so please just talk to me.” Be open. Be kind. Make sure those around you feel like they are in a safe space.
Isabella’s final piece of advice from a high school graduate is to know: “The earlier you start exploring what your mind and others’ minds have to hold, the better.”
Thank you for sharing Isabella, and we are more than happy to share your success.
Margaret Hill is a member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District board.
