What is the Student Advisory Council?
The Stride Career Prep Student Advisory Council is a select group of K12-powered students from around the country who serve as advisors for their peers as well as brand ambassadors for Stride Career Prep and their schools. Through this paid internship opportunity, they provide valuable feedback and insight about their experiences with career readiness education.
Meet Our Student Advisors
Fall 2021 Cohort
Wendi Bates
California Virtual Academies
Career Field: Business & Finance: Business Management
Grade: 11
Hobbies: Golf, reading, creating social media content (YouTube and Instagram), skateboarding, and watching movies
When I first saw the show Shark Tank, I knew I wanted to become a venture capitalist. I wanted to run my own successful businesses and help others run theirs. The meaning of success varies per person. For me, if I become a venture capitalist, I am successful, and I accomplished my greatest goal.
Fall 2021 Cohort
Emma Soto
California Virtual Academies
Career Field: Information and Communication Technologies
Grade: 12
Hobbies: Reading, writing, playing video games, learning to code, listening to music, and swimming
I plan to go to university and continue my education in STEM while gaining more experience through internships and jobs. Eventually I hope to get into something Aerospace-related—like working with SpaceX or becoming a mechanical engineer for NASA—but those goals may change along the way.
T.J. Bryant
California Virtual Academies
Career Field: Arts, Media, and Entertainment
Grade: 10
Hobbies: Writing stories, music production, and reading
I have wanted to become an author for a long time, and to learn how to earn money while doing it. I also want to learn about other jobs in the entertainment field like film direction and videography. Through this pathway I have been introduced to many business opportunities that involve writing.
Sofia Durham
California Virtual Academies
Career Field: Health Science and Medical Technology
Grade: 11
Hobbies: I have plenty of hobbies outside of schoolwork. I love to read, write, and draw. I mainly draw and play video games. Whenever I get in the mood, I make speed paints of my art and upload them on YouTube.
My dream job is to become a doctor who works in a hospital, mental health facility, or retirement home. Those three different environments are all places I would like to work in. I would love to help those in need.
Hanifa Ardekani
California Virtual Academies
Career Field: Health Science and Medical Technologies
Grade: 11
Hobbies: Sewing, knitting, building Legos®, drawing, baking, cooking, and video games
After high school, I want to go to university to achieve a higher education. I am considering majoring in nursing and then going to a medical school to either be a dermatologist or a nurse practitioner.
Mia Bustillo Ramirez
California Virtual Academies–San Joaquin
Career Field: Health Science and Medical Technology
Grade: 11
Hobbies: Participating in extracurriculars (Mostly SkillsUSA), learning guitar, reading, and watching Biopics.
I chose the Health Science and Medical Technology pathway at my school, Stride Career Prep at California Virtual Academies, because I am interested in the world of medicine. When I declared my interest in the function of the human body and assisting others, I quickly rushed to find ways to fulfill the yearning to learn. When I found out there was an opportunity to actually have classes such as Health Science and Medical Terminology, I was thrilled! I signed up for the pathway and it helped my goals and dreams to become stronger!
Spring 2021 Cohort
Freda Harris
California Virtual Academies
Career Field: Healthcare
Hello! My name is Freda Harris and I’m a junior at California Virtual Academy (CAVA). I enjoy virtual learning at CAVA because it fits my needs of a better education and more one-to-one instruction. My passion for taking care of others and being an advocate for the community has inspired me to pursue a career as a nurse. At CAVA I’m in the medical learning pathway, which allows me to prepare for health certifications. I became a student advisor to learn better communication and marketing skills. I set achievable goals and enjoy each success as I accomplish them. My proudest moments in life have been acknowledging each stepping stone that has paved the path in my educational journey.
Monz Vaca-Castellanos
California Virtual Academies
Career Field: Medical/Nursing
Hello I’m Monzerrath Vaca-Castellanos and I’m 17 years old. I’m currently a senior attending California Virtual Academies at San Joaquin. My personal philosophy includes taking responsibility in my life and challenging myself throughout it. My career goals are to attend a four-year college, obtain a Master of Science in nursing, and seek recognition through APN. With that I’ll be able to become an oncology nurse to help and care for patients that have cancer. If my teacher/s were to describe me they would say I’m a joyful, caring, and hard-working person every day who gives her best work and perseveres.
Meet the Whole Team
Meet all the members of the Student Advisory Council from K12-powered schools across the country.
Become One of Us
Interested in helping shape the future of Stride Career Prep and making a difference for students at your school? Accept the challenge and apply to be a member of the Student Advisory Council today!
