EPISD Student Spotlight: Isabella Chavez Miranda
(SILVA HEALTH MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL -- Feb. 22, 2021) — Through these difficult times, mental health has become just as important in the lives of students as physical health. That’s why Silva senior Isabella Chavez Miranda hopes to put her experience as a student in the city’s premiere health magnet school to use by spreading awareness of mental health issues among her peers and their families. Isabella keeps busy not only with her studies, but also through her involvement in many extra-curricular activities. Community Engagement sat down virtually with the QuestBridge Scholar to discuss her advocacy and her future in this edition of the EPISD Student Spotlight.
EPISD: Tell us about the student-led organization you created to spread awareness about mental health in teens.
ISABELLA CHAVEZ MIRANDA: The GenZMind was launched on Aug. 1, with months of planning prior to that date. It is an organization that focuses on mental health and the importance of it, especially among teenagers. It was created by me and four other wonderful girls from around the world who had a passion for helping others. We provide resources and create posts and blogs for teenagers or anyone to utilize and be aware of. We can be found on Instagram through @thegenzmind and online through www.thegenzmind.com, definitely worth checking out!
EPISD: What’s your role in Club 365? Why is it important to continue the club during the pandemic?
ICM: Club 365 prides itself on being able to help others 365 days a year, so without a doubt, we wanted to continue this through one of the hardest times. During the pandemic, we have hosted a virtual "walk" for cystic fibrosis as well as a virtual pep-rally for breast cancer which had over 150 students and teachers participate, and we have many others coming up. It is so important to keep these events going right now because it shows others that you can always help others, even from your home.
EPISD: What challenges have you faced as a result of the pandemic and how have you overcome them?
ICM: The pandemic definitely turned my world upside down. I had to take care of my family for a period of time due to COVID-19 and had to learn how to gain the important knowledge I needed from each of my classes in a new way. Now, I am able to concentrate on the material of my classes much easier than before and get to spend time with my family.
EPISD: How are you staying motivated and involved in school during the pandemic?
ICM: To stay motivated and involved during the pandemic I have been planning out my days, making sure to have one thing at least to look forward to such as reading or talking to my friends via Zoom. I also continue to be involved in many clubs and plan as many events as we can for everyone to enjoy.
EPISD: What are your honors and achievements in high school?
ICM: I'm a Questbridge National College Match Scholar as well as a Young Leadership Consortium Scholar. I am top 5 percent of my class and a letterman recipient for the last two years, co-president for Club 365, vice-president for National Honor Society, and historian for High School Double T Health Professionals Honor Society.
EPISD: Where do you plan to go to college and what do you plan to study?
ICM: As many of my college decisions are yet to be released, I am still unsure. However, I plan to study either biochemistry or biomedical engineering, continuing my interest in STEM.
EPISD: What are you studying at Silva and how will it help you in the future?
ICM: At Silva, I am currently in the physical therapy program that really allows me to learn what is needed to be a compassionate doctor. My teacher, Mrs. Cortez, is amazing and allows us to practice helping patients from any age through compassion and the right care. I hope to be able to use this when I become a doctor and use the skills to be a caring one.
EPISD: What is the first thing you plan to do when the pandemic is over?
ICM: The first thing I plan to do when the pandemic is over is to go to a concert or a large gathering with friends and family or travel, sightsee in many places, and indulge in the culture.
EPISD: Anything you’d like to add?
ICM: As a first-generation student in America, I am very excited to see what college brings along with the experience. Many years ago, I did not think I would be applying to the colleges I have and certainly did not think I would be accomplishing many of my goals. The support from my teachers and friends has been a great help, which I thank for believing in me.