Flavia Nunez
All roads lead to Rome, but I believed only one—the one I pre-wrote and pre-paved in early youth—would bring me success. Like many of you, I was single-minded in my studies. I believed that being a good student boiled down to one letter, the very first one in our alphabet.
I first began to consider SAS in the middle of my sophomore year. I wanted to change the way I approached school. Grades were important, but knowledge was more so—and I felt this new desire in me to learn things I had never considered before, to re-pave my road. SAS provided that outlet. Not only could I take Dual Enrollment classes in a variety of subjects I had not had the chance to experiment with before, but SAS students only spoke glowingly of their educators—teachers and mentors that I have come to deeply appreciate, and whom I consider to be some of the very best this nation has to offer.
From the first day I started SAS, I was more concerned with what I learned than what I got on any test. Paradoxically, I started performing better in school than I ever had before. All students have great potential, but very few are provided opportunities to break that potential free.
In this way, SAS shines! It is the people behind SAS that truly make it so.
Mr. Lindsay (the spirit of SAS for me) informs you about countless summer and enrichment opportunities; without him, I would not have garnered the confidence to begin my own service project or applied to the kinds of academic programs that engender deep growth beyond the classroom. Dr. Townsel, North’s counselor and honorary dad, will spend hours speaking to you about how to best pursue your academic path—just as he spent hours encouraging me to truly explore and consider nothing less than everything. Mr. Green will leave you an analytical reader and an unparalleled writer, and his office hours (where you will find out just how intelligent he truly is) will make you wiser. Ms. Hauser will teach you Calculus in a way that makes you truly understand the mysteries of math, Dr. Lemus will make you wonder how it is one person can be so smart, Ms. Ruiz-Legg will teach you the art of empathy. Ms. Montiel will encourage you to do as many activities as possible, Dr. Mar will stick by you through the highs and lows of APUSH, and Dr. Monteaguedo is the kind of principal who personally drives you to district school board meetings to make sure you can make it.
Not once have I come to regret my choice. I am so deeply grateful for the chance to have studied here. There has not been a day at SAS where I have not learned something new, in the classroom and/or outside of it. The last time I remember feeling that way was in elementary school. Because of SAS, I have grown as a student, as a person, as somebody who now embraces and sees the inherent potential in every letter of the alphabet beyond A.
All roads lead to Rome. I implore you to take a leap and choose SAS, where you will learn that constantly repaving your road is what makes a great education—and what is education but the emblem of true freedom?
Flavia Nunez
School for Advanced Studies North, Class of 2022
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Class of 2026
Tamika Dolisca
At the end of eighth grade, I spent much time researching possible high schools. I was so desperate because it was tradition for all the students at my middle school to attend the same high school, and I wanted to be different, to break tradition. At the top of my list was School for Advanced Studies, until I realized you had to be in 10th grade to apply. Then I was waitlisted from the magnet schools I chose, and finally, after a failed audition for an art school, I was out of options, so I ended up exactly where I was trying to avoid.
To be honest, after spending two years at my old high school, I forgot all about SAS and made the best of what I had. I challenged myself by taking APs; I was close with the majority of faculty and staff; I was involved in pretty much everything; and I had a tight-knit friend group I loved more than anything. I had made a name for myself. But my high school was private and expensive, so I had to leave, but I remembered SAS and applied. Of course, I was excited about attending such a prestigious and academically rigorous school for free, but I was also terrified. I thought I was going to lose everything I had built up in the last two years and, worst of all, I felt unworthy to attend SAS, a feeling I would identify as imposter syndrome.
The 2020-2021 school year was not easy for anyone, but it was especially difficult due to the fact that we were all attending a hard school where no one knew anyone and everything was online. Despite this, I persisted. I made friends and was able to connect with my teachers in the same way I did previously. Most importantly, I had the support of my counselor, Dr. Townsel, who met with us often. Even though I was quite shy my junior year, his insistence on helping us help ourselves pushed me to ask questions and always pursue answers. I thought my imposter syndrome would worsen since I was in a school where everyone was smart, but that actually inspired me to be better, not in a competitive way but in a self-improving way. You look around and see that your peers can be just as lost as you but are still putting their best foot forward.
Senior year has been equally difficult, if not more so, but far more rewarding. We went back to the physical classroom, and being able to see my friends and teachers every day made this experience so much better. Every week, my friends and I would eat outside to get some fresh air, walk around the lake, dance in one of the available rooms, or go to the gym after school. I would go to office hours with Mr. Green (AP English), where we ended up getting sidetracked with me going on about hobbies, interests, and ideas. I would tell Ms. Hauser (AP Calculus) about my calculus problem and she would patiently spend almost an hour explaining concepts to me until I understood. I became friends with my MDC biology lab professor while ironically realizing biology was not for me. And in April, I graduated with my Associate of Arts degree before receiving my high school diploma.
I can honestly say I have never cried as much, laughed as much, danced as much, or lived as much as I did at SAS. SAS is a rollercoaster of emotions and will constantly challenge you in ways that seem impossible, but that is the beauty of attending this school. It will teach you that absolutely nothing is impossible if you are willing to try. And that has been my take away from SAS. It is never about being the smartest person in the room, but about being the one who is willing to learn something new. Take it from me, someone who never considered themselves ‘smart’: if you choose to attend this school, you deserve to be here and can thrive if you put in the work.
I believe that where you go is less important than what you do, but there is no doubt in my mind that SAS has given me some of the best gifts, from my math teacher, Ms. Hauser, who helped me discover my love of mathematics, to friendships that will last a lifetime, to opportunities that will give me a step up. I am so grateful to have attended this school and gotten to know not only my peers but also the administration, facutly, and staff. Thank you, SAS.
Tamika Dolisca
School for Advanced Studies North, Class of 2022
Barnard College, Class of 2026
Michelle Murcia
It was a casual day in my Sophomore year that I finally collected the courage to go meet my original counselor for the first time. I climbed the steps to the front office with a stack of paperwork in hand and a simple plan: obtain a signature from my counselor and finalize my scholarship to study abroad in Seoul.
Upon arriving, I greeted a dark and unresponsive office instead of a guidance counselor committed to students M-Z.
With a sigh, I lingered and took a seat nearby. I continued sitting until a passing administrator took pity and let me know my counselor conveniently quit a month prior. It was not until I enrolled in the School for Advanced Studies Wolfson that I understood this was not the ‘magnet’ high school support I was promised.
In their orientations, however, SAS promised an academic life that would be anything but traditional. I am here to tell you that this promise is 100{e812f1d4f9a70247f75e4d9d9f402211903ccc806acfde4663fc6d370e4de91c} true.
Attending SAS implies a caring counselor who is dedicated to your success, unafraid to push you to your potential, and most importantly, available to be your one-on-one guide through the hardest years of high school. The hallway leading up to Ms. Martinez’s office is crammed with vibrant and proud college pennants from former students and with a single knock, a welcoming “come in” answers.
Fortunately, our luck doesn’t end there. SAS is built on the hard work of teachers willing to teach, tutor, or talk until you become expert enough to lead the class. In personal experience, Ms. Daire (our brilliant Calculus teacher) has instilled such mathematical confidence in me that I will happily be studying rocket science next year in college. And trust me, I’m no genius.
The administration is also unlike any other. I mean, what kind of principal accepts invitations to campus talent shows and performs a drum solo? (Shoutout to Dr. Monteagudo.) Or the incredible Mr. Lindsay that guides students to Silver Knight awards and achieves winners out of 661 other applicants? (Michelle was a 2022 Silver Knight Honorable Mention in World Languages)
Simply put, the School for Advanced Studies is an incredible offer that most certainly delivers. If you are a student who, like me, knew more was possible, do not hesitate to accept.
Michelle Murcia
School for Advanced Studies Wolfson, Class of 2022
University of Southern California, Class of 2026
Fabiana Montenegro
When I first heard of SAS, I was unsure whether or not it was the step I should take. Today, I am beyond grateful I took the opportunity presented to me.
Growing up, the weight of expectations was a heavy one. My mother and father always taught me that excellence was a virtue – something you work towards, something you hone, something you wake up everyday and strive to achieve. SAS is the perfect representation of an environment where that mindset is applied. Not only are you encouraged to be excellent, but integrity, honesty, and hard work become pillars of anything and everything you do.
The School for Advanced Studies is the place where I could not only imagine my dreams, but touch them, and actually fully recognize my potential. With the help of my counselor, Mr. Morales, and the wonderful teachers at Homestead, I was able to come into myself and develop as a student and as a person.
The pandemic took away many of the things we took for granted. Going to class, seeing your friends. writing on a desk, talking to your teachers. However, SAS did not let that stop us from growing. Since then, every opportunity has been precious and the return to normality has been fulfilling thanks to the dedicated administration and teachers. Now, going to the University of Florida with my AA under my belt, I am prepared and confident to follow whatever path I may set my mind to. School for Advanced Studies trains you to become your best self in order to succeed, not only academically, but professionally and socially as well. At SAS, the relationships you develop touch your life forever and change your perspective; you’re part of a family where your dreams become reality.
In the end, I would like to say thank you, SAS. My mom once said, “Surround yourself with excellence, and you will be excellent.” I think those are perfect words to describe The Dream Factory.
School for Advanced Studies, I dedicate my successes to you.
Fabiana Montenegro
School for Advanced Studies Homestead, Class of 2022
University of Florida, Class of 2024
Quocnam Bui
From the moment I stepped into my freshman year of high school, I had my mind set on attending the School for Advanced Studies at the end of my sophomore year. The idea of taking an accelerated path toward my Associate’s Degree alongside my high school diploma seemed
like a perfect fit for my academic ambitions. I had first heard of SAS from the words of wisdom of an older brother. During his time in high school eight years prior to mine, he passed on the chance to attend SAS due to the comfort he found at his original high school. To this day, he still
tells me it was the one mistake he regretted during his high school career. Given his advice, I was adamant about not allowing the opportunity to slip by my fingers.
I began preparing to attend SAS by taking the PERT assessment and getting a head start on my college career by taking dual-enrollment courses in 9th grade. As I spread the news of my plans, nearly everyone I knew attempted to convince me it was a bad idea. I was told I would be giving up my position at the top of my class, my friends, and sucking the fun out of my high school experience. Boy, they could not have been more wrong.
While the commencement of my SAS experience was an atypical one amid a global pandemic, I felt comfort in knowing I was not facing the challenge alone. One of my favorite things about SAS is the sense of belonging to a tight-knit and collaborative community from the get-go. In the weeks leading up to the first day of classes, all students were welcomed with the tradition of pairing incoming junior “mentees” with senior “mentors” to assist with the transition into the program. At SAS, there are no shortcomings when it comes to seeking assistance.
Teachers care about not only your academic success but get to know you on an intimate level and become involved in your own personal well-being. At SAS, you also have the luxury of direct access to school faculty who will help you at a moment’s notice. I cannot count the number of times I’ve walked into the office of my phenomenal counselor Mr. Fraga unannounced and resolved any concerns on the spot.
For anyone that is apprehensive about joining SAS, I highly urge you to closely consider the opportunity. SAS is not just a two-year accelerated academic program but a new home that engenders self-discovery in an independent and academically rigorous environment. While it may be taking a step outside of your comfort zone, the greatest moments of growth in life occur when you seek discomfort.
Quocnam Bui
School For Advanced Studies, Class of 2022
Washington University in St. Louis, Class of 2026
Ibty Dames
On October 9, 2020, I walked into my first physical day at SAS with a mask that couldn’t quite mask the smile on my face. Since 6th grade, I’ve been looking forward to this moment. I remember the day my mom came into the living room with a newspaper featuring SAS. This was the first time I had ever heard of SAS, and immediately fell in love. Now, don’t get me wrong. I was a bit apprehensive to transfer once I learned about the mandatory coursework that seemed very intimidating. I swore to myself I would never take AP Calculus. Now, I look back at my worries and laugh. Truly, SAS has the best teachers in the county. I never would’ve expected myself to solve derivatives and integrals, but Mr. R made Calculus easy. All teachers at SAS love their jobs, and it is incredibly apparent in their classrooms. I did NOT have a normal high school experience, I had much better. I have FOND MEMORIES of AP MACROECONOMICS and AP LITERATURE! Let that sink in!
Before starting at SAS, I heard a senior refer to our counselor, Mr. Morales, as “Momo.” I can recall thinking “That is so weird. Who calls their counselor such an odd nickname?” I came from huge high schools, where most students didn’t even know their counselor’s name. At SAS, we are truly a family. We’ve formed tight knit bonds over the past 2 years that cannot be found at any other high school. While my former schools made me feel insignificant and small, SAS has made me feel like an integral part of the Dream Factory. I know I can knock on “Bestie Momo’s” office door and talk to him about absolutely anything. Whether it’s introducing a new idea for a school activity or ranting about the stresses of life, you will always find someone willing to lend an ear at SAS.
SAS is truly the dream factory. Transferring to SAS is transferring to a whole new world of opportunity and success. When I first entered SAS, the seniors were immediately inviting and welcoming. They were extremely helpful, and I found out about one of my favorite community service groups (Miami-Dade County Teen Court) through a senior mentor. Overall, I found that the conversations and club meetings I have attended at SAS made the biggest impact on my educational career thus far. During a brief student government monthly meeting, the QuestBridge scholarship was introduced, which would forever alter the course of my life. My former high schools had failed to mention the existence of this scholarship, which provides a full ride scholarship to various prestigious universities. In no world would I have been able to afford attending the university of my dreams without the amazing mentors and resources introduced to us through SAS.
My time at SAS is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Although my heart is heavy to leave my SAS family behind, I know I will always have a home at SAS.
Ibty Dames
School for Advanced Studies Homestead, Class of 2022
Duke University, Class of 2026
Andrea Hurtado
Although I never believed that there was utmost importance in choosing between a Magnet program or a Technical school, there is one school choice that stands out above all, one that you will not regret—School for Advanced Studies.
The first time I ever heard about SAS was through a large-screen TV in the middle of Miami Dade College Hialeah Campus. I had completed 9th grade no longer than two weeks ago, and I was anxiously waiting for my first dual enrollment class to begin. That is when SAS, a collegiate high school program between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Miami Dade College, appears on the screen.
Although I would not get my first SAS letter from the mail until sometime at the start of my sophomore year, the curiosity of just seeing high school students attending secondary school while simultaneously completing college classes in a college setting lingered on my mind. And that is truly the WOW factor that SAS will leave you with: a school that not only achieves a stellar accelerated AP curriculum but one that expands the opportunity for you to fulfill an Associate in Arts Degree while still a senior in high school.
As I am closing off this chapter of my life, I cannot be prouder to say that I will join the SAS Alumni family. To the fellow curious students out there reading this testimonial (you too, parents), I promise you are not the first undecided ones. Despite loving the idea of SAS, I was apprehensive about joining the White Tiger family at first. Why? I thought that leaving my old school would be a poor decision; I would constantly fear not fitting in with my fellow classmates or if I could stay up to par with the advanced studies SAS promotes. However, take it from someone who has already completed their two years here, those fears were unfounded.
SAS is a family. We uplift, support, and care about one another. With incoming juniors in your exact position, seniors who have gone through the process, and a staff of dedicated adults, SAS is comprised of the most loving school community you will find. I can assure you that SAS is a family where you can fit right in with your classmates, get ahold and support from your teachers (shoutout to Ms. Hauser, Mr. Green, and Dr. Mar), and constantly receive that personal counseling attention that you will not find in other schools (shoutout to our Northside Superstar, Dr. Townsel).
I cannot count the many times I have gone up to Ms. Hauser to tell her about the latest coding activity I am working on, Mr. Green’s morning office hours and after-school review sessions, and Dr. Mar to go over the next event SGA is planning. I will never forget the days I would walk into Dr. T’s office and tell him about my college application worries. All these memories are activities I can do at SAS, whereas I could not have done them as easily at my old school. This is not only my experience—we all at SAS have felt the same way. My time at SAS indeed showed me a new experience that I had not seen before, one of a Dream Factory.
SAS is not a choice I regret making; instead, I am so glad I decided to come to SAS. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity of taking MDC classes for free, the wonderful friends I have made, and the caring administration and staff members I have met. Thus, as I bid my last farewells before graduation, I hope that anyone reading this testimonial takes at least this part: join the SAS family; you will not regret it.
Andrea Hurtado
School for Advanced Studies North, Class of 2022
Stanford University, Class of 2026
Enzo Larralde
When looking back at the most significant moments of the past 18 years of my life, receiving the latest edition of the Miami Herald, during the summer before my sophomore year, featuring the top students from the School for Advanced Studies graduating class and where they would be attending, is surely one of the most influential.
After reading through the endless list of the top schools in the nation these students would be attending, I was confident that I could not miss the opportunity to attend this prestigious school, for it offered its students the opportunity to earn their Associate in Arts degree from Miami Dade College by the time they graduate from high school. Little did I know, SAS would surpass all of my expectations, providing students with much more than the general knowledge they would get from any other high school in the span of two years.
Many people recognize SAS as just being one of the few high schools that allows students to attain an AA by the time they graduate, but after being a student here for two years, I can confidently assure you that it was also home to a family made up of students, teachers, and counselors who inspire each other to be the best individual they have the potential to be. When coming into SAS, I initially felt insecure about what to expect in terms of my peers and the relationships we would have with each other and our teachers, but that quickly changed as I was soon exposed to the varied forms of expression and ideas that flourish amongst the student body. Feeling assured that all the teacher’s value what each student has to say, I felt an upsurge in my motivation to become an active student in our school community, which led to putting my name down for various leadership positions, one of which led to me serving as the National Honor Society President. I can say, without hesitation, that each student at SAS is encouraged to be a voice for their student body.
Attending school in the heart of Downtown Miami, I interacted with peers who commute every day from diverse cities across Miami-Dade County, bringing along their unique backgrounds into the class setting. Even though all of us were working towards the same educational degrees at SAS, it is evident that we all have distinct goals that when achieved, will without a doubt impact the future of society. Being surrounded by the rush that is Downtown Miami, I quickly learned the importance of prioritizing time management and how to balance college and high school work with countless extra curriculars, to set aside time for exploring the grand city.
For students who are hesitant about making the decision of applying to SAS, take the chance: by putting yourself to the task of succeeding at the School for Advanced Studies, the benefits you will receive in turn for your dedication will surpass those of any other school. Upon entering, you will quickly realize how SAS values each student’s distinct personality and cultivates each of their unique backgrounds, fostering a welcoming school environment. Graduating from SAS means being equipped with all the skills necessary to be successful in the real world and taking the next step of applying to the School for Advanced Studies means being one step closer to thriving well beyond one’s own expectations.
Enzo Larralde
School for Advanced Studies Wolfson, Class of 2022
Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2026
Alexa Darnaby
I was in fifth grade when I first heard about School for Advanced Studies (SAS) and I knew that it would be the perfect fit for my aspirations. Between then and when I applied in tenth grade, I attended six recruitment sessions for SAS where I learned more about the opportunities that this unique experience would provide me.
Now, as my time at SAS comes to an end, I can confidently say that it has surpassed my expectations. The academic excellence that SAS is known for is a true rarity. I have felt immersed in an intellectually stimulating environment, which is unlike that of any other school. I’ve grown so much at SAS. One of the greatest parts of my experience has been visiting my teachers during morning office hours. Every morning, teachers are available to communicate with students, whether its answering questions or simply conversing. I often found myself doing the latter. I’ve spent countless hours exchanging book recommendations with Mr. Green. He has added so many books to my “to be read” list.
I’ll forever be grateful for the connections I’ve made with both my teachers and peers. When I first enrolled at SAS, I worried that I would be sacrificing the friendships I had made at my previous school. However, this was not the case at all. Coming to SAS does not mean you lose all your old friends. It just gives you the opportunity to make new ones and expand your social connections. The unique experience that SAS provides bonded me with my peers. I formed study groups in classes with people who eventually became some of the closest friends that I have ever had. It is the people that make SAS so special. Classes are bubbling with curiosity because the students are so eager to learn. Regardless of whether a class aligns with our future career goals, everyone wants to learn. The desire to accumulate knowledge sets SAS students apart from other high school students. Having friends who share in my goals has been auspicious, and the bond that we’ve developed through our time at SAS is so impactful.
When I first learned about SAS in elementary school, coming here was my dream. During my time here, I realized my next dream: to attend the University of Chicago. If it was not for SAS and the incredible guidance of my counselor and teachers, I’m not sure if I would have dared to even apply to schools of that caliber. Now, I’m preparing to start at UChicago – the school I dreamt of – in fall 2022. SAS truly is the dream factory. It is the place that I dreamt of; it is the place that has made my dreams come true.
If you’re still wondering “Should I apply to SAS?” allow me to tell you: yes. Come to SAS if you want to be stimulated and challenged. Come to SAS if you want to make connections that will last a lifetime. Come to SAS if you want to grow intellectually.
Alexa Darnaby
School for Advanced Studies North Campus Class of 2022
University of Chicago Class of 2026
Alejandro Santana
I will not deny that thinking of life as a chapter book can be quite a cliché, which is why, instead, I think of it as an art gallery that immortalizes life’s most pivotal experiences. In my life, SAS would have its own separate showroom, as it not only aided me in the growth of my academic abilities, but also developed my character.
I did not know about SAS until the middle of the first semester of my sophomore year, when some of my acquaintances discussed a mysterious letter that invited them to apply to an institution that would facilitate the completion of an Associates Degree and high school diploma simultaneously. Because I did not receive such letter, I questioned whether I was fit to even apply to the competitive program. My stagnation was added by the fact that I had grown comfortable in my huge school: I received good grades, participated in extracurricular activities, had met a great group of friends, etc. I feared that by leaving my previous high school, I would somehow lose the feats that I had reached up to that point. Although school was filled with the stress of all the work that I received from my classes, it did not feel intellectually challenging, and I lacked time to explore interests that I had.
After conversations with my friends, family, and current SAS students, I realized that I could not miss out on this life-changing opportunity, even if it had not knocked on my door and I had to knock on theirs. When I made my decision, there were some days left before Thanksgiving Break. I called the office, nervously, thinking that I was too late. The opposite happened, however, and an optimistic voice told me: “We are still accepting applications!” That same day, I compiled all the required documents, and the next, I went to SAS right after school and turned in my application. I walked out with relief running through my body.
Today, I look back on that day thankful that I gave myself the opportunity to strive for better. All the incredible mentors that I have met at SAS (Mr. Green, Ms. Hauser, Dr. Townsel, Dr. Mar, Mrs. Ruiz-Legg, alumni, and current students) have served as constant reminders that I can reach the goals that I set for myself and if things fail, I will redirect and try again. Prior to coming to SAS, I was a believer of the notion that each individual can only be good at one thing, me being a so-called “math person.” I struggled with English as a second language and had given in to the idea. However, after countless office hours with Mr. Green and Mrs. Ruiz-Legg, I was shown that I had just not dived in. Thanks to them, I now know that I am a lover of reading and writing. Even Ms. Hauser showed me how math can truly be everywhere, including art. These encounters pushed me to see myself as a multifaceted individual, instead of a two-dimensional character. The guidance, the community, the love and support, the freedom to explore are all present within the walls of every SAS campus, which is why I encourage everyone interested to find them!
Alejandro Santana
School for Advanced Studies North, Class of 2022
Washington University in St. Louis, Class of 2026
Keinsley Zamor
My name is Keinsley Zamor and I’m a senior at School For Advanced Studies North Campus. One of the aspects of SAS that I would really love to highlight and acknowledge is the staff and the amazing teachers we have. The teachers at SAS are truly amazing and admirable. Constantly challenging the students to face adversity, my teachers have been exceedingly pivotal in my development along with my fellow classmates.
My Calculus teacher Lisa Hauser is a prime example of being one of the most influential individuals I have ever been blessed to come across. Not only does she teach a hard class (AP Calculus AB), but she teaches it in a way that is engaging and makes Calculus, believe it or not, fun and pleasurable. She is truly an astounding individual and I am super grateful for having her in my life.
Mr. Frederick Green, my Advanced Placement English Literature and Language class teacher, has also been one of the most inspiring teachers I’ve had. Connecting with students on another level, he has not only an amazing personality and an amazing sense of humor, but he has taught me so much in the past two years. Spending countless hours helping me with college essays, applications and scholarships, he has been pivotal in my success!
I would also love to acknowledge my counselor and Silver Knight Coordinator at SAS. Dr. Michael Townsel and Mr. Dennis Lindsay. These two individuals have been two of the most powerful and supportive individuals I have ever met. Being role models, they have helped me and guided me in ways that I don’t think I would ever be able to pay back. They have helped me get scholarships such as Posse in which I am attending Syracuse on a full tuition merit scholarship, they have pushed me to do projects such as my Silver Knight Interfaith Encounters project in which my aim was to end religious discrimination directed toward various groups., and through organizations such as Aspen Challenge in which we were tasked with essentially making the world a better place and for which our team won Second Place in the Miami-Dade County competition. They have not only shaped my life in ways that are unimaginable, but they have touched it in ways that are unspeakable. When I say I love SAS and the teachers along with my peers and the environment at SAS I truly mean it with all my heart.
Keinsley Zamor
School for Advanced Studies North, Class of 2022
Syracuse University, Class of 2024
Gabriel Munoz
“FIU is honestly your best bet.”
I still remember that comment vividly when my golf coach asked me about my plans post-high school. I mean- who wouldn’t say that? Considering that I moved to the US in the middle of freshman year, navigating through high school and planning for college was a bumpy road, to say the least. However, I was fortunate enough to find a teacher who believed in me and told me about School for Advanced Studies. Little did I know that it would become the two most transformative years of my life.
SAS has provided me with the resources and opportunities that have allowed me to get life-changing opportunities. Not only that, but in the student body and staff, I have found a welcoming environment that meets you where you are and works with you towards achieving your personal goals and growth. I have found the most committed teachers, that strive every day to inculcate the true values of academia while reminding us that the only way our knowledge is valuable is by serving others. There are difficult moments, as SAS is a rigorous institution, but you can always count on your peers and understanding teachers to get through them. I would encourage anyone to come to attend SAS if you dare to discover and challenge yourself. Lastly, I would like to thank every single one of my teachers and staff members for the most humbling, gratifying, and enriching two years of my life.
Gabriel Munoz
School for Advanced Studies West, Class of 2022
Cornell University, Class of 2026
Ronald Garcia
If you had asked me at the beginning of my sophomore year what my plan for the future was, it was simple: graduate from my magnet’s engineering program and pursue a bachelor’s in Computer Science. Not once had I ever considered branching off from the path already traveled by my older brother; Air Base Elementary, Howard D. McMillan Middle School, TERRA, and soon FSU. Before I accepted this path, my parents called me to review this curious invitation to an intake session. I remember vividly having to translate the letter into Spanish for my parents: “Congratulations! We have chosen you to partake in an intake session for the School for Advanced Studies Homestead Campus! This school allows students to pursue…”, the next line imbued such a reaction in me that even my parents noticed the change in my smile, “a step forward in their college education: an Associates Degree!” Ever since that small letter, I knew I had to take the road less traveled, and my parents immediately agreed.
At the intake session, I knew this place was for me. Mr. Morales, the counselor at SAS Homestead, immediately won me over as he spoke pragmatically and portrayed a focus on the students rather than the school. Rather than flamboyantly reiterating SAS’s ranking among high schools, he instead conversed with each prospective student one-on-one, already fostering the beginning of a tight-knit filial relationship that exists at SAS. Current SAS students were also present at these intakes, further reinforcing the welcoming student culture at SAS. Never again would I be referred to as the “nerd” or ostracized by the students who do not care about their education (the “cool kids”). Never again would I be used by teachers to boost the scores of poorly performing students by seating me next to them. Never again would I be held to standards of perfection by both teachers and students. I would finally be considered a student, not a tool. Even with the slight possibility of these descriptions being inflated, I took the risk. I took the opportunity to finally be treated as a person.
Because of the pandemic, my junior year was limited, as I was an online student. Despite the lack of in-person connection, I still felt a relationship develop with my teachers and a few of my fellow students. On the first day of physical school (senior year) is when I felt the full potential of this school – and the packaging does not lie. The passion present for higher education was demonstrated in my fellow students, making me feel right at home. The collaborative environment also allowed me to explore my affinity for tutoring. I think this funny exchange truly embodies the love for learning present at SAS: One day during independent study time, a student came to me for help with how to solve an integral. Instinctively, I just told her the answer, as I was accustomed to students with the mentality that grades are more important than learning. She then asked the question I have always hoped for in all my years of schooling, a question I strive to be asked and love to ask, “Yeah… but how?” After I explained to her how to apply u-substitution, she said a phrase that was novel to me, “Thank you!!!” This interaction comforted me, reaffirming the correctness of my decision to go to SAS. Instead of being around students worried about being caught with substances, I was in a compassionate community that worried about where the other two came from when I derived (2x+3)².
I recommend SAS to any student looking for higher education, a tight-knit community, and an administration that focuses on the student rather than the school. While it may seem daunting to start a new beginning, remember this: the path less traveled is, by nature, one full of opportunities, experiences, memories, and, most importantly, personal.
Ronald Garcia
School for Advanced Studies Homestead, Class of 2022
Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2026
Thalia Estevez
As an immigrant, I have encountered a plethora of academic obstacles, such as a language barrier and different schooling methods. I was fully ignorant of the inner workings of higher education in this country, and like many other immigrants, I was held back one school year. I started school in America feeling unaccomplished for being a year behind, and until my freshman year of high school, I believed that feeling would continue to follow me. Soon enough, though, some of my sophomore friends told
me about a wonderful school where I could receive two years of free college education, and, despite the other attractions of SAS, the opportunity to not only catch up, but to be ahead, instantly charmed me.
Nevertheless, the moment I logged into my first Zoom class at SAS, I saw the rest of this school’s alluring qualities, from the caliber of its academics to the talented minds it fosters. Here, I have been able to aspire to more formative opportunities than those I saw in my horizon, such as being in influential leadership positions and attending a renowned university.
After being an SAS student for two years, I can frankly say that choosing this school was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have formed long lasting friendships with extraordinary people who’ve supported me and challenged me since I met them. Most remarkably, however, I have had the privilege of being taught by incredibly talented and caring teachers, whose wisdom will continue to enrich my life even after I graduate.
Mrs. Tercilla’s distinct methods of analyzing books and their characters have shifted the way in which I view social issues in the world, and they have facilitated my ability to empathize with others; her love for literature and intrinsic ability to instill it onto her students has made me fall in love with a language that previously hindered me.
Dr. Lemus’s enthusiasm for Math, a subject I grew to dislike, constantly reminded me why I enjoyed learning to do calculations when I was younger. She teaches rigorous subjects unlike any other teacher I have had, easily instructing complicated processes and often astonishing her students with her intellect.
Mr. Orichio, whose noticeable fascination with social sciences has inspired me to change career paths, continuously amazes me with his compassion and his capacity to see society from innumerable perspectives. He has encouraged my passion for social justice, and he has educated me both inside and outside of the classroom.
Mrs. Ochoa, our attentive counselor, has helped me understand myself more than I believed I could. She has a striking ability to connect with her students and to turn their afflictions into strengths; her nurturing disposition and her delightful sense of humor always bring me the comfort I need when I feel overwhelmed. These educators, along with the rest of this school’s administration, are the embodiment of love and commitment towards students. And as I graduate, I am leaving SAS West with everlasting fulfillment and gratitude for having the opportunity to attend this incredible school.
Thalia Estevez
School for Advanced Studies West, Class of 2022
University of Florida, Class of 2026