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Steven Avalos joined Reality Changers as an 8th grader. He is currently a 11th grader at San Diego High School and attends Reality Changers’ College Town.
What are you looking forward to in school this year?
This school year I’m looking forward to maintaining a high GPA and keeping my grades above a 3.5. This year I’m trying to get in touch with counselors and teachers.
What support systems are you leaning on or creating for yourself to persevere (keep going) this year?
Most likely Reality Changers. The tutors and mentors help me with anything I need and keep me on track. I’m also making a schedule for myself and staying organized. When I was doing online classes last semester everything was all over the place and this year I want to maintain a good schedule and stay on track. I’m using my whiteboard as a checklist.
What is one thing you hope to learn or experience at Reality Changers this year?
Something I want to learn this year is how to become a better speaker and getting out of my comfort zone. I feel like when I am older, if I stay in my comfort zone and stay in one spot I won’t have access to new opportunities. I also look forward to seeing my teachers and RC friends.
How does your Reality Changers family make you more confident in your strengths?
My Reality Changers family gives me support getting to where I want to go. I feel very confident going to Reality Changers because everyone makes me feel like I belong there. Whatever I need help in, the volunteers, staff and friends at Reality Changers help me. This builds my confidence, because I don’t really have anyone to help me out like that and it brings me joy that other people want to see me successful.
How is Reality Changers helping you navigate change as you go back to school?
Reality Changers is making me feel a little bit comfortable with online learning since we’ve been doing the Zoom calls. I am starting to get used to the change because before I felt like online learning was going to be a challenge, which it still is, but I am learning how to become more comfortable with it.
