As a junior in high school, Maribella C. is already making an impact as a leader among her peers and within her community.
Maribella has attended Visions’ Home School Academy on and off since Kindergarten and has remained in Visions’ University Prep Academy throughout her entire high school journey.
“During Covid, Visions knew what to do better than any other school, so instead of getting behind, me and my brother actually returned to our traditional school ahead! I returned to Visions for 8th grade and high school because Visions is what works best for me.”
Throughout her time as a Visionary, Maribella has continually stepped outside of her comfort zone and embraced opportunities to grow as a leader. With opportunities to get involved, support from her teacher, and the flexibility to create a learning schedule that works for her, Maribella is building a strong foundation for her future.
As a longtime Visionary, Maribella says her favorite part about being a student at Visions is the many opportunities to get involved in the school community.
“The staff are truly what makes Visions what it is. From the event planners and teachers, to Dr. Olmos, Visions reflects the heart that all the staff have for students!”
Last school year alone, Maribella participated in Student Ambassador Club, Running Club, and the UC Davis Success Through Education Mentorship (STEM) program and was voted president of the inaugural Student Advisory Council.
Beyond student clubs, Maribella makes a point to participate in the many events and activities Visions offers. She has attended Club Rush and multiple museum field trips, while also taking part in leadership opportunities including the Blue and Gold Leadership Summit, LifeWorks Leadership Sessions, and YDN Leadership Camp.
Her leadership experience has also extended beyond Visions. Maribella spoke at Voices for Change at Sacramento State University, where she amplified the importance of teaching language earlier in school.
“Visions meets students where they’re at, and helps them reach whatever their goals might be. We’re encouraged to dream big, and instead of being treated like children, Visions supports and encourages our transition to becoming young adults!”
For Maribella, having the support of the adults around her has been an important part of her experience at Visions. She has felt that support most notably from her credentialed teacher, Julie Szukalski.
“She’s kind, understanding, and believes in me, which is something I value immensely in the adults in my life, and something I hope to model myself,” Maribella shared. She also gave a special shout out to the credentialed teachers she’s previously worked with at Visions: Judy Flora and Jennifer Russell. “They’re both incredible, and me and my family are so grateful that they were able to be a part of our lives!”
Julie has also seen Maribella’s growth firsthand throughout their time working together.
“Maribella is a fabulous student and young lady. Having served as her homeroom teacher for the past year, I have seen what an excellent, driven and delightful young lady she is. She is passionate about her school, actively participates in events, clubs and leadership opportunities and brings a positive spirit to everything she does. With her many interests and talents, Maribella has a very bright future ahead of her,” shared Julie.
After attending LifeWorks leadership sessions last year, Maribella was excited when she learned there was an opportunity to continue being involved. She decided to take the next step and become a Junior Empowerment Facilitator with the LifeWork Experience.
In this role, Maribella had the opportunity to lead a personal development presentation during Visions’ most recent new staff kickoff event in August.
“My experience being a Junior Empowerment Facilitator was encouraging and energizing!” she explained. “As I heard our leadership talk about Visions’ history and our goals for the future, I was so happy and proud of our school’s success!! The heart that Visions brings to serving and teaching students is something incredibly special about our school.”
Maribella stays just as active outside of school as she does within the Visions community. She enjoys parkour and gymnastics and will serve as a parkour coach this year at enrichment vendor Tricks Sacramento.
She is also an animal lover who spends much of her free time training her dog and caring for her four guinea pigs: Lola, Bitsy, Frida, and Skateboard, a name chosen by her brother.
When she is not busy with school, leadership, or animals, Maribella enjoys baking, cooking, and spending time with her mom, brother, and grandma.
Beyond high school, Maribella plans to pursue higher education, with the goal of earning a Master’s degree.
While she has not yet decided what she wants to study, she is currently exploring Political Science and Community and Regional Development. She also hopes to minor in Spanish. “My culture is a huge part of who I am,” she explained.
With so many interests and experiences already shaping her path, Maribella is continuing to explore where her education and leadership journey may take her next.
When asked what advice she would give other students, she emphasized the importance of advocating for yourself:
“My one piece of advice is to advocate for yourself. If you are confident and comfortable with advocating for yourself, you’ll succeed at Visions. Many kids and high school students struggling at their school or getting left behind by ‘the system’ would thrive on the support that Visions provides!”
