Isabella Lala, a senior student at Gulf Coast High School, has been enrolled in Champions For Learning’s Take Stock in Children program since eighth grade and dual enrolled in the College and Career Preparation program since 10th grade. Because of the programming she received, Isabella gained access to unique volunteer opportunities, insights into the college application process, and one-on-one coaching that enabled her to apply for and be accepted into a fully funded study abroad program this past summer. This experience, she says, helped her grow into the best version of herself.
Isabella’s outlook on life was shaped by her diverse cultural background. Her mother’s passionate Colombian heritage and her father’s welcoming Albanian background instilled in her a love for connecting with others and embracing diverse perspectives. Spending much of her childhood with her grandmother, who only speaks Spanish, taught her the importance of treasuring family and cultivating friendships based on mutual respect. Her father’s struggles with a severe back disability motivated her from a young age to pursue a career in healthcare, as she is driven by a desire to improve the well-being of others. Isabella witnessed firsthand how an untreated injury not only affects the individual but also impacts relationships, families, and everyone involved.
Despite both of her parents having earned diplomas in their home countries, they were unfamiliar with the U.S. education system. Champions for Learning helped bridge that gap by providing the guidance Isabella needed to succeed. The organization assured her that with dedication and the right resources she could achieve anything.
Through Champions for Learning, Isabella connected with opportunities to gain firsthand experience in the healthcare field. Over the course of her high school years, she accumulated more than two hundred volunteer hours in various healthcare settings, including emergency departments, intensive care units, preoperative areas, and patient bedsides. These experiences not only enhanced her understanding of healthcare but also solidified her desire to pursue a career in medicine. Conversations with her Champions for Learning College Success Coach provided Isabella with new research opportunities and resources, further propelling her towards her career goals. One of these opportunities was a study abroad program in Japan this past summer, where Isabella explored and experienced Japanese language and culture. Champions for Learning helped her build essential interview skills, contributing to her success in the application process.
On top of the demanding schedule of her academic and extracurricular activities, Isabella works part time in the food service industry. The responsibilities of managing a part-time job has allowed her to gain higher independence and financial maturity, while helping contribute to household finances for her family.
“By fostering a community centered on both education and real-world experiences, Champions for Learning has offered the perfect environment to expand upon my curiosities, pursue meaningful relationships grounded in commitment and trust, and advance my pre-medical studies,” states Isabella. “Through each aspect of my experience, I can confidently say that Champions for Learning supported my career aspirations and personal growth and will continue to support that of other students well into the future.”
In December, Isabella received the most exciting news: thanks to the guidance and resources provided by Champions for Learning, she was accepted to Columbia University on a full ride scholarship. Her tuition, housing, food, and other expenses will be fully covered by the university.
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