Christopher Badillo
When I was in elementary school, I had dreamed of attending Stanford University, of studying and receiving a university education. From that moment, I had planned every decision I would make and every aspect of my school career to lead me to the point where I could finally realize that dream. However, I would soon learn that you cannot plan for everything, and sometimes life will present you with the choice to either take a risk and move forward or to remain the same and stand still. For me, SAS was that unplanned choice–that risk– and I am eternally grateful that I took it.
I had five minutes to decide to attend SAS. Unlike many other decisions I make, there was no plan, no pro-con list, and no certainty as to what would happen. Just an opportunity—an opportunity to grow academically and as a person through rigorous coursework and small class sizes. At my old school, I had secured club leadership positions, had mapped out every class I would take, and had meticulously planned out my path to college. And while SAS was not originally part of that plan, it helped me redefine the way that I had looked at my high school experience. Every minute that I spent at SAS helped me see the importance of the journey, not just the destination, and helped me value what I was doing as more than just “the road to Stanford.”
At SAS, I was able to form incredible friendships, teacher relationships, and clubs that would have been impossible at my old school. I could balance MDC classes in Criminal Law and Business Law while helping lead our Mock Trial team to an undefeated record. I was able to be taught in my AP classes by the most wonderful teachers in the county, who cared about my development and my ability to succeed, while also participating in my extracurriculars. I achieved my AA, while also applying to some of the most selective colleges in the nation for my undergraduate degree.
But what SAS meant to me went beyond the purely academic, the extracurriculars and clubs, or the incredibly interesting classes. SAS helped me grow as an individual. Before SAS, I was relatively reserved. I would never have thought of running for Student Government, of organizing a Winter Wonderland or working on a SAS Picnic. And yet, that is the path SAS helped guide me down. I was able to become the Student Advisor to the School Board and represent students on the dais, collaborate with an amazing group of Student Government officers, and advocate for our students in front of administration and the School Board.
SAS taught me to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination, the activity just as much as the victory, and that what I could learn about others and myself outside of the classroom was just as valuable as the curriculum that I could learn inside the classroom. Unlike my previous school, I felt like I was at home. A home surrounded by “dreamers” who saw problems and looked to solve them.
While SAS was not originally a part of my “high school plan,” it has become the most defining part of it. Those five minutes, that one decision, that one risk went on to help mold me into the person I am now. A person who could recognize my experience through SAS for what it really was: a journey of self-discovery. Now that I have graduated, I do not know what the future holds, but I know now that no matter what happens, I must enjoy the small moments that make up the path I choose to travel. I am incredibly proud that SAS was a part of that path, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me.
Christopher Badillo
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2020
Stanford University, Class of 2025
Fernando Bravo
I didn’t want to go to SAS. Like, I really didn’t see the point. But, my parents pushed and my sister was already a student here, and . . . well, you’re reading my testimonial, so you know what happened.
I had a plan for the next two years at my previous school and friends that would be part of it. Still, I begrudgingly did away with that and focused on a new plan at SAS. And while that plan was fulfilled, I’ve certainly come out at the other end with a different mindset—with different goals, expectations, and with so many more questions.
My experience at this school has unequivocally changed me. I attribute that to very specific events—counsel from teachers, new perspectives from peers, challenges from classes I struggled in, and constant reality checks.
If I had the chance to redo these two years, and I would choose SAS again, there’s so much I would do differently—from my approach to academics, to the activities I devoted myself to, to the way I distributed my time. But I think that’s a good thing. It means I’m not as lost as I was before junior year (even if I didn’t know it). It means I would know what goals I’d want to tackle and what things I’d want to prioritize. It’s a sign that I now view the resources I have at hand not as tools I’d potentially use as I figure things out but rather as opportunities I must make the most of in order to maximize the impact I can make.
My time here has both strengthened and humbled me; I am thankful for the sense of direction I feel right now and for the world my eyes have opened to. Though in some ways that creates more pressure and complexity, I wouldn’t want the alternative. I think (and hope) my SAS experience has prepared me for challenges I wouldn’t have otherwise considered taking on. So, if this was the scenario that was presented to sophomore-year me, the decision would have been quite simpler to make.
Fernando Bravo
School for Advanced Studies Wolfson, Class of 2020
Stanford University, Class of 2024
Lauralis Correa
When I first got the recruitment letter to apply to SAS my Sophomore year, I hardly had heard of this school before. My instincts were to reject this offer thinking, “I am comfortable where I am. I could never leave my friends! How could I abandon my Thespian Troupe? What could I possibly benefit from only being at a school for two years?” Spending your Junior and Senior years at a brand-new school seems hard to consider, but it is opportunities like these that are once in a lifetime.
With change comes unmapped roads and expectations uncertain, but attending SAS for two years has made me more certain of who I am and what I want to achieve for my future. Of course, there will be times of stress and pressure; it’s expected in a rigorous academic school of choice. However, SAS has readily equipped me with the tools to plan, harvest, and achieve goals I set my mind to.
What was greatly appreciated during my years was the highly generous amount of support as a community and as a family SAS embodies. There is a comfort in knowing the challenges and successes you go through are experienced by your peers and understood by your educators. No one is unheard or overlooked as many high schools tend to do having a large student body.
Being able to grow and expand my horizons at SAS has been one of the biggest blessings and greatest chances I have taken. Reflecting on where I am today and where this pandemic has steered my life, I am proud to have ended my 2020 Senior year at SAS. Having been a part of multiple school spirit events, elected Administrative Liaison of the Performing Arts Club, and awarded an Associates in Arts degree before my High School diploma are all opportunities I would have missed out on if I would not have taken a leap of faith.
My love and respect for my school, my home gives me a sense of pride that my previous school could not measure up to. I have learned to manage my time and academics along with still having a traditional high school experience. Not only has this contributed to molding me into a better student, it has molded my mindset and character to want to do better by those around me. I probably sound corny when I say school has become a passion of mine.
There is so much to gain from applying to SAS. Take this chance. “The Dream Factory” is more than a vision; it is an opportunity to cultivate your dreams in an environment of peers driven for success.
Lauralis Correa
School for Advanced Studies Kendall, Class of 2020
Florida International University, Class of 2022
Tomas Fiure
As I have come to find, the best decisions I have made in my life were those filled with change and uncertainty. The decision to switch schools into SAS is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. Like many prospective students, I thought that I would have to give up social life in favor of academics if I switched to SAS. After convincing myself that I would only go for the schoolwork and classes -and keep my social life back at home,- I decided to move to SAS. As per the plan, I spent the first month of school with a hoodie and headphones on at all times. In spite of this, I went on to meet some of my closest friends. Rather quickly, SAS became the place where I was surrounded by people who truly knew and understood me. It became the place where I was getting the educational stimulus that I love, and doing so with people whom, despite knowing for only a couple months at the beginning, I felt the most comfortable with.
Before coming here, I often heard from unconvinced peers that SAS lacks a “normal” high school environment. That’s likely correct. In a few months, I built strong relationships with friends and teachers, to the point where I woke up every morning eager to get to school, despite having to drive 40 mins at 6:30 AM to do so. That would have never happened at my old school, and probably would not occur at most schools. In my head, SAS evolved from a place I attended as an errand, to the only place in the world where I felt comfortable, in just a couple of months.
The facets and numbers of the program are often very clearly displayed and advertised. Evidently, in that aspect, SAS is among the best in the country. The gap in college readiness, anywhere from application essays to registration, between SAS and other schools is enormous. Furthermore, the sense of independence built here is unmatched. There is a powerful, mutual trust between staff and students to fulfill our tasks on both ends, rather than the usual babysitting experienced elsewhere. This allowed us to grow exponentially both professionally and personally.
As I say time and time again, SAS changed my life. I could not imagine what my life would be like had I not taken that leap into the unknown. SAS introduced me to like-minded individuals and opened my mind to explore opportunities I never thought possible. I am infinitely grateful to the program and everyone involved for setting me straight, handing me the tools for success and showing me the path forward.
Tomas Fiure
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2020
Columbia University, Class of 2024
Gabriela Gonzalez
On the bus ride home from my first day of high school, I was introduced to the idea of SAS and was intrigued yet apprehensive about its rigorous collegiate program. I initially brushed it off, deeming it too complicated and overwhelming. As I moved past my freshman year, I realized that I was not being academically challenged and instantly searched for ways to advance my learning. Entering my sophomore year, I decided to begin taking dual enrollment courses during the summer and when I received the correspondence to apply to SAS, I took the chance to better my future, and soon after, the possibility of me attending School for Advanced Studies became a reality.
I never knew what to expect from entering this new program. Others told me it was the wrong decision and feared that it would not be the right fit for me, but I am so glad to know that they were wrong. From taking advanced placement and college classes to participating in interesting extracurriculars, I was pushed to find ambition and was able to garner a passion for a higher degree of education.
Without SAS, I can confidently say I would not be in the same place I currently am in. I began to accept the idea of going out-of-state for college and learned about certain requirements and examinations that I would need to be able to apply to these prestigious universities. Because of this wonderful place, I am able to go to Williams College and have had the option to take classes in multiple fields of study.
While SAS may at times prove to be difficult and demanding, the benefits are incomparable to the superficial drawbacks. Now, as I look back towards my experience, I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to partake in a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that I have been given the chance to grow beyond measure and become a well-rounded individual. I used to be complacent in my studies and SAS taught me to aim for the stars and propelled me to become the best imaginable version of myself.
Despite the hardships, if I could go back in time, I would have chosen the same path a million times over. School for Advanced Studies turned out to be my second home and somewhere where I would cultivate lifelong friends and amazing memories. I am forever grateful.
Gabriela Gonzalez
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2020
Williams College, Class of 2024
Connie Ly
In my sophomore year, I remember spending an extensive amount of time looking into SAS after I received the bright orange slip in the mail (that invited me to apply). I spent hours on the website watching the “In This Moment” music video, reading student testimonials, and learning about the special structure of SAS. At the same time, I engaged in nitpicking, trying my best to find a reason not to break away from my bubble. But I could not find anything. It all seemed too good to be true.
I found myself torn. All of the signs were pointing towards SAS. I gathered opinions from family, friends, and alumni, dwelling on the decision for a couple of months. The only thing that was stopping me was myself. I was afraid of leaving my comfort zone. I feared change, but it was exactly what I needed.
Now, I am more than certain that my choice to join SAS was the right one. For the past two years, I was challenged academically with the rigorous high school and college coursework, but I have also made strong friendships with seniors and juniors who have helped me get through tough times. I will never let those connections go. From Ethics, Social Psychology, to Calculus 3, I have been able to explore topics that interested me through the wide class selection at the college.
Being active in clubs was really important to me before coming to SAS. I was baffled at how easy it was to get involved and grateful that SAS provided these opportunities in community service, interest, and academic clubs and organizations. My experience at SAS was tailored to my own personal goals, and the SAS family helped me reach those ambitions. It truly is, “The Dream Factory.”
The foundation of the SAS experience is built upon respect, community building, communication, and integrity. The faculty and administration work so hard to make sure every student is heard. The teachers are committed to helping us understand the lesson but also care about our wellbeing. I truly admire their attention to student’s needs. Even amid a pandemic, they mobilized quickly to ensure that our education and experience were still top-tier.
SAS has allowed me to grow as a student and a person. I will always look back with fond memories and no regrets.
Connie Ly
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2020
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Class of 2024
Julian Marquez
When I received the SAS recruitment letter in the mail 2 years ago, I was not willing to risk my position at my previous high school. I was at the top of my class, surrounded by friends whom I had known since I was a toddler, and accustomed to the traditional high school setting. However, still curious, I explored the program by reading testimonials like this one. Reading them, I was intimidated yet captivated; the attraction of obtaining an AA Degree prior to graduating high school is accompanied by much hard work. Frankly, the intimidation almost got the better of me; I knew my decision to switch schools would change my life and I was afraid. In fact, it was my mother who convinced me to enroll in SAS and I am immensely thankful she did.
Thus, I took a chance and decided to attend SAS. Honestly, the first few weeks are extremely challenging. However, the struggle of becoming an SAS student becomes more and more manageable as time progresses. With resources pooled together by SAS and MDC (tutoring, free practice books for the SAT, etc.), tackling the schedule of college courses and AP classes is possible for anyone.
Reminiscing on these past years, I know School for Advanced Studies was a valuable experience. SAS allowed me to redefine my academic interests and beliefs while also being able to make many life-long friends. I was able to meet people my age just as motivated as I am. Although it might seem odd that in 2 years you can meet so many amazing students, at SAS it is not only possible, but guaranteed.
I can assure you there will be many trials and tribulations if you decide to attend here, but when you have finally graduated, you will understand why SAS is currently the #4 high school in the country. As a child of immigrants, I can confidently say that SAS is called the Dream Factory for a reason. Take this opportunity; it has taught me numerous lessons beyond the classroom.
Julian Marquez
School for Advanced Studies – West Campus, Class of 2020
University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2024
Lissangel Martinez
It only took the first introductory recruitment meeting for me to know that SAS was the place for me. Everything was perfect, everyone was really nice and respectful, and the school had really good achievements. But little did I know that SAS is more than just a really high standing school. It is a place of growth. A place that prepares you for life in so many different ways. I left SAS being a completely different individual with the skills that I need for future success in my academic career and in life.
I can’t lie to you, SAS is a hard school. I still remember thinking I did well on my first calculus exam and man was I wrong! I got a D on my first exam, and that was considered ‘lucky,’ as many of my classmates got Fs. It was the beginning of an era of hard work. No more pointless class assignments that I got from my old high school. No, this was different. This was SAS. And at SAS, you have to dedicate yourself to your work, because it is not always going to be easy to understand. Sometimes, it will be hard, but SAS gives you that perfect atmosphere to get motivated and dedicate yourself to your studies.
But SAS is not only about academics, it’s also about family. Being at a small school made me develop a stronger school spirit and make me feel more connected to my teachers and other classmates. Making friends was rather easy, even for someone like me that is pretty quiet. You meet people who are just like you; it felt so refreshing to meet other students who were also so focused on their studies. SAS was a school where you could have fun with friends while studying together and pushing one another to be the better versions of themselves that they can be.
I am starting college now and I already miss SAS so much. But, I feel grateful that I had this opportunity to be a part of this legacy. I am gratified that I am so well prepared for future academic success. SAS may be a high school to some, but to me it’s much more than that. It’s home.
Lissangel Martinez
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2020
Franklin and Marshall College, Class of 2024
Miami Posse Scholar, 2020-2024
Debbie Perez
Coming to SAS is undoubtedly what I consider to be the most important turning point in my life; it is a decision that I would not change for anything in the world. I remember myself just a couple of years ago dissecting the entirety of SAS’s website, searching for as much information as I could in order to make sure that I was making the right decision of leaving my homeschool, and stumbling across these same testimonials, reading over the passionate and sincere words of what is now a decade’s worth of students’ voices, and even then, I wasn’t sure how I could bring myself to trust the words of others, because before I came to SAS, I was skeptical of everything-including of possibilities that promised me so much support and understanding. I was consistently reminded by faculty members at myold school that I was missing out on a “real high school experience”, which I’m sure most of my peers experienced as well, but instead of feeding into these baseless assumptions and warnings, I decided to take a chance and enroll at SAS because something inside me told me I was signing up for something that would change my life for the better. SAS gave me such an incredible and overwhelming amount of independence, opportunity, support, and understanding that looking back on my experience now as a college freshman, I feel equally as respected and valued as a college student than I did at SAS as a high-school student, and that mutual respect and trust is something that truly characterized my high school experience at SAS, and something that demonstrated to methat I was truly at a place dedicated to helping me grow not only as a student, but as an individual.
I came to SAS with the hopes of challenging myself academically in order to test my limits and learn more than I ever could at my previous school, which at times felt so large and generic that I felt as if I could be mentally absent from all my classes and no one would notice, but at SAS, you find yourself engaging both within the classroom and outside of it without even realizing it. It is absolutely impossible to be left behind at SAS, because all students are valued for their individuality and their own individual interests. You truly design your own academic schedule at the college, and for the first time in my life, the opportunity to really dive into topics in school that fascinated me without having restrictions placed on me by the school truly caught me off guard. As a full-time dual enrollment student at SAS, you quickly come to realize that the world of academics extends beyond the core curriculum you are used to, because the college offers literally hundreds of niche classes of all subjects that will leave you inspired and empowered to continue to learn. It was because of SAS that I realized what I wanted to study for the rest of my life, and it was because of SAS that I grew to understand that school should not be something you dread, but instead it should excite you and challenge you intellectually through important conversations and discussions across all fields.
As a first-generation student, I knew absolutely nothing about the college application process when I first got to SAS, let alone did I even dream about attending a school outside of Miami. I was absolutely complacent with just doing well in school and challenging myself while I learned, because I did not even bother to think about the possibility of applying to schools far from home, it just did not feel like it was possible for a girl from Hialeah, the daughter of immigrants, to make it that far. Despite my resistance at first and mylack of self-confidence in my academics, the faculty at SAS saw something in me that I didn’t at first, and because of them, I decided to apply to schools that to this day, I can’t believe I applied to. I believe wholeheartedly that without the support I received at SAS from all social circles, I would not be where I am today, because SAS truly helped morph me into someone capable of utilizing their background and their experiences and their passion for learning into something greater.
Since joining SAS,I accomplished things that the old me would not have even dreamt of, I honestly did not even know that half of these opportunities existed before I acquainted myself with the resources at SAS. I was a Youth Commissioner for Miami-Dade County, Honorable Mention in Silver Knight for General Scholarship, President of the Cuban American Student Association, a National College Prep Scholar,a National AP Scholar,National Hispanic Merit Scholar, QuestBridge Match to Yale University, and most importantly, a Bill& Melinda Gates Foundation Scholar at Harvard University, my home for the next 4 years.
I can’t envision myself in any way being where I am today without the support, love, and understanding that SAS gifted me these last 2 years. SAS is such a unique and captivating experience that even as a graduate of the school, I find myself consistently advertising the school to individuals I feel would benefit from the experience because I feel as though becoming a part of the SAS family is such a positive turn in anyone’s life, and I am honestly so proud to have been a part of the legacy that SAS continues to leave on South Florida.
SAS takes pride in the support and focus it grants to every single one of its students, and you will soon realize that it truly is The Dream Factory.
Debbie Perez
School for Advanced Studies Wolfson Campus, Class of 2020
Harvard University, Class of 2024
Aiko Puerto
Change is the only constant. After experiencing 2020, this statement has never rung truer. Luckily, School for Advanced Studies prepared me for curveballs whether it was juggling AP classes or acting as a college student starting at 16. Above all, I am grateful for the independence and rigor promoted by SAS that not only prepared me to overcome any academic obstacle but helped me develop the skills to plan and execute a career path. Guided by the challenging yet supportive teachers, I truly gained an understanding of the subject material and was excited to learn from passionate teachers. Everyone was united by the same motivation to be better than they were yesterday, and that environment pushes you to discover the best version of yourself.
I knew SAS was for me when Mr. Lindsay arrived at my middle school in 8th grade to give a presentation and encourage anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind educational experience to apply in a couple of years. As I sat in the cafeteria and listened to his speech, I made up my mind that SAS is what I wanted and where I needed to be. Fast forward to 10th grade and even though I enjoyed my current high school and had made friends who wanted me to stay I was fortunate enough to be accepted into SAS. I took a leap of faith because it felt right and I wanted to be part of a community that prioritizes the student in every way possible.
Now as a I move onto a prestigious institution of higher learning, I am reassured that with the skills SAS helped me fine tune I will be successful. School for Advanced Studies is not an easy program, but it is worth every ounce of difficulty because it forges relationships between classmates who all support each other and encourage one another to follow their dreams. As previously mentioned, “change is the only constant” and I am grateful I embraced change and decided to attend SAS because I could not have asked for a better outcome.
Aiko Puerto
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2020
University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2024
Ariana Rejas
Coming to SAS is most likely one of the best decisions I’ve made in my entire educational career. Here at SAS North, I learned the value of friendships, networking, and how to not be afraid to ask for help. I believe in the fact that “everything happens for a reason” and after feeling stuck between the decision of leaving my old high school or coming to SAS and then seeing the letters “SAS” on a metal object out the side of the car window while driving home, I just knew it was the right choice. I took it as a sign.
SAS indeed is “The Dream Factory” and I, along with other colleagues, have proven it to be true. Coming from an immigrant family full of hardship and who had to live in a basement for years because of the policies in the “Country of Opportunity”, SAS made me believe I was safe and at home! I realized just how many students either went through the same thing or something similar and together we were like the ashes of a Phoenix. We rose through the hardships of life and came out even stronger.
Everyone had their own problems but once we came to school it’s like our problems became a lighter weight on our shoulders because we all empathized with each other. Sometimes the problems were just school related, and I can vividly remember those Tiger Days where all our teachers planned to give out a quiz or test or heavy assignments in the span of 45 minutes! It might sound terrifying but it’s the adrenaline that you feel that makes it better. You look around the classroom and see everyone with the same exact expression you have. That’s when you realize, you’re at home.
I remember being really close with the seniors when I first came to SAS and just walking into the school, scared and worried what my first day would be like, and seeing how friendly everyone was and that made me feel like everything would be okay. It would be a hard two years, just like expected when taking college classes and high school classes, but at the end of it I would’ve made a ton of memories and had pushed myself to the limit and succeeded. That feeling of accomplishment and success is exhilarating. You feel happy and thankful to have made it to the point you’re at and all you can do is cherish that moment, appreciate those that have helped you, and keep moving forward.
My days at SAS are sadly over, but the memories I’ve made will continue to live on. I’m so thankful for all the teachers, counselors, and staff, from SAS and MDC, who opened their doors to us and gave us their valuable time. Sometimes all you really need is someone to talk to (whether it be school related or not) and you can find all that love and support at SAS.
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I was given to attend this school and to bring my own flavor of intelligence to the cornucopia of brains known as SAS. At the Dream Factory, your full potential as a student will be unlocked and you will be given chances to flower into successful professionals in the future. You will be tested in every way possible but that’s what makes you even stronger. We are all White Tigers at heart, but we are also all phoenixes figuratively. I will forever value the lessons I learned here at SAS and take them with me throughout the rest of my life.
Ariana Rejas
School for Advanced Studies North, Class of 2020
University of Miami, Class of 2022
Foje-geh Tendoh
Very few places in this world will challenge you so hard you’ll feel your knees turn to jelly and your stomach quiver. Fewer places will leave you stronger than you first started. I say that acknowledging that my time at SAS has not been a road through the flower fields. There have been thorns at every angle and slumps in every path. Yet I know throughout the journey, there was growth at every turn. To me the School for Advanced Studies is more than just a place, it has become a home. A home in the metaphorical and very literal sense . A home cultivated in shared struggles and collective aspiration for communal and self benefit.
My time at SAS was a twister to say the least. There were times when I felt the workload would consume me, or when I felt that I lived more at school than my actual house. But through all the inconsistencies of the academic road, there was one constant: you’re not alone. SAS is not a coaster’s underworld or a workaholic’s wonderland. SAS isn’t an administration or bureaucratic entity. It operates closer to heart. SAS is an opportunity to be taken and an experience to be lived. It is the chance to engage with teachers that are meticulously rigorous, abrasively caring, and emotionally supportive even when the toughest of tides wax the shores of your sanity.
It is getting to meet memorable students that will challenge your notions of academic success in the face of the perilous academic train that too often leads us to misguided notions of value. It is introspection and reassessment that comes from knowing more about yourself in the face of academic adversity. And greatest of all, SAS is the friends that will follow you into adulthood, as you become a more informed, educated, and active member of society.
There are many places in this world and fewer homes. Your time at SAS is a tremendous opportunity to create the home that’ll educate and challenge you to know the friend, scholar, and person you want to be.
Foje-Geh Tendoh
School for Advanced Studies North, Class of 2020
Bowdoin College, Class of 2024