As an Edge High School student, you typically have a full day balancing classes, schoolwork, job and life responsibilities. It can be hard to find time to lift your head up and look at the road ahead. But it’s so worth it to do! Life after graduating from our tuition-free charter school holds so many promises. And if you’re looking for proof – meet Edge alum Serena Gonzalez!
Serena visited our campus recently to talk with students in Edge 101 and Emotional Intelligence classes. Serena is a 2022 Edge graduate and Lapan Leadership Academy alum. After graduating from Edge last year, Serena entered the Lapan Sunshine Foundation’s career program – the “Lapan College & Career Club”. This club helps coach, counsel, and provide support to recent graduates so they transition successfully to life after high school – including helping with interview skills, personality assessments, and more. They also offer financial support to cover college expenses, based on the grades you earn in high school.
Serena’s leadership qualities and ambition shone so bright while she was in the Lapan College & Career Club that the Lapan Foundation offered her a job in their Sunshine Pet Therapy program. She was also accepted into Pima Community College to get a degree in Radiologic Technology, which she begins next spring. And she’s going on 4 years of working at In-and-Out Burger – a job she enjoys. Congratulations Serena on taking the first steps in what is sure to be a successful career path! Here’s more in her own words:
When and why did you attend Edge?
I joined Edge at the beginning of January 2021. I had gone to four high schools before and was a “super senior”. I struggled to make up credits at a traditional high school so I thought a self-paced credit recovery school would be the best fit for me.
What’s your favorite memory of Edge?
My favorite memory being at Edge has to be our Field Day! I wasn’t going to attend and was planning to just do classwork, but once I smelled that popcorn..I was out of my seat!! I had so much fun that day, especially dumping our favorite teachers and staff into the water and covering Rob in temporary tattoos. Seeing everyone taking a break from hard work to just have fun and be free was memorable.
Who was the best teacher for you?
The best teacher for me at Edge is such a hard question, because all of my teachers were so good to me and they are all the reasons I was able to graduate. But Julia Nordlund, my math teacher, became one of my biggest supporters. I spent every single day with her, twice a day, and she was immensely supportive and always there for me in ways I had never had from a teacher. I will always hold her very close to me. She also made me love math!
Do you have any advice for current Edge students?
I would definitely say that though it’s a self-paced school, still do as much as you can in a day. Whether that’s working in a classroom or at home – self-paced doesn’t mean only work when you want. Also, take advantage that the staff WILL let you stay after school to work! I honestly don’t think I would have graduated if I didn’t take advantage of that. And lastly, take care of your mental health. School is always going to be hard and stressful. Know that all of the Edge staff are there for you in many ways – but you also need to be there for yourself.
Edge tuition-free charter high school can help you achieve your graduation goals and set you up for success as you take your next steps. Find out more and enroll today!
About Edge
EDGE is a Cognia accredited, tuition-free, charter high school, with two campuses in the greater Tucson area. We provide an alternative to traditional education, meeting the diverse learning and life needs of our students with our blended curriculum and flexible morning or afternoon class schedules. Our high-quality, passionate teachers are dedicated to individualized instruction in our small academic classes. Be you. With us. At Edge.