Bethany Kharrazi
ACLC Class of 2017
6th Grade...
...12th Grade
Relfective Essay
I have been a learner at ACLC since the sixth grade, but skipped the eighth grade. Being the youngest of five kids who have gone to ACLC, I found that our quirky style and democratic process is something that I have love, respect and appreciation for. Finally arriving in my senior year, I have taken the time to reflect on all the ways I have grown as a learner, leader and community member.
Personal Qualities, Work Habits and Attitudes
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When I look back on my time at ACLC, I think about the ways I have gotten involved in Leadership. From raising money for Cystic Fibrosis as a sixth grader, to becoming the Leadership class co-chair in my senior year, my outgoing personality and passion for our community and traditions is expressed in all that I do. ACLC gave me the chance to create the education I wanted. I was able to manipulate my schedule so that I could take college classes and participate in sports, but it goes beyond the courses available and in my reach. I was allowed to (and encouraged to) think outside the box for every assignment I completed. For example, I could take advantage of a broad project assignment and create the product I wanted, whether that was a film, audio clip or poster. This not only helped me take charge of my education, but it also made a very engaging and exciting learning environment. Having the opportunity to take charge of ACLC’s governance has also been quite empowering. To be the Leadership co-chair exemplifies that I am a good representation of the ACLC model. Being part of the community this way, has made me very selfless and learn how to compromise with others.
New Basics
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At ACLC, I find myself gaining a well-rounded education. Through projects and presentations in class and at LLCs, I developed advanced speaking skills, like how to make a presentation engaging and effective for the audience. I took a Public Speaking class at College of Alameda, which gave me the confidence and knowledge to use these skills at school and in my extracurriculars. Going to the county science fair has also contributed to my presentation skills. Taking the Biology class and going on the Save the Bay field trip, where we mentored middle schoolers at restoration sites on the importance of the San Francisco Bay, has inspired me to study Marine Biology in college next fall, which I am very excited for.
Thinking and Reasoning Skills
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I remember taking the Learning to Learn class in middle school and not quite understanding how one learns about how to learn. It wasn’t until high school where knowing my learning style and skills were really important. As my classes and extracurriculars became more rigorous, I was able to look back on what I learned about learning in middle school to help me manage my time and get the most out of the academic opportunities at ACLC. Learning how to negotiate and compromise were skills that I developed by being a Leadership learner. Being part of the learner governing body at ACLC requires practice in communicating with the facilitators, ACLC Governing Board, CLCS, PAC, CCEF, etc. in a democratic way. Last year, a senior had an idea about creating an additional Leadership class. While I did not totally agree with the proposal, I supported him and other learners by helping them develop the new class model to present to the Leadership class, and then to the Governing Board. Although it did not end up happening, this was just one instance of the way I have been involved between the governing bodies at ACLC.
Interpersonal Abilities
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Having been a learner at ACLC for six years now, I have learned how to be an active community member. This year, I was elected to be the co-chair of the Leadership class, which is not only a huge responsibility, but a very empowering position. Having to prepare classes of my own, I have a new appreciation for how much the facilitators work to make their classes entertaining and run smoothly. This can be challenging, but if feels great to see my work pay off in class. I’ve also learned how to work with a fellow learner in this process, something that can be difficult considering that I work better alone, at times. However, I often find myself helping others in classes outside of leadership, by building project groups of people with different skill levels and sharing study guides for quizzes.
Technology
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All of my classes are based on Google Docs and most projects can be adapted to be done on a computer, which is very convenient when I travel during the school year. From checking Jupiter Grades to making Prezis, and from submitting my homework online to accessing the online textbooks, I spend most of my homework-time on the computer. This has caused me to get familiar with different online platforms, which has helped me with my college classes, using Moodle, as well. I can turn a computer off and turn it back on again, to troubleshoot the equipment when it fails, which happens more often than not.
During my time at ACLC, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge that will help me advance my education in the future. I feel ready to enter college next fall, knowing that I have a good background and foundation built from my six years at ACLC. I want to come back and visit, so I can see how much my community has grown.
Resume
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Marine Science/Ecology
EDUCATION
2010-Present Alameda Community Learning Center (ACLC)
Alameda, California
2016 Brown University
Pre-College Program (BELL)
The Tropical Coast: Florida Keys
Key Largo, Florida
2015-Present Peralta Colleges: Public Speaking, Music Appreciation,
Introduction to the Marine Environment
Alameda/Oakland/Berkeley, California
2013-2014 Brigham Young University Independent Study
2012-Present Midrasha Religious Post Bat-Mitzvah Education
Oakland, California
2005-2012 Hebrew School Temple Beth Abraham
Oakland, California
COMPUTER SKILLS
Operating Systems: Leopard, Mac OSX, Windows XP
Applications: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher
Video Production Software: iMovie, iDVD, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro
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CERTIFICATIONS
Red Cross Training Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED/Administering
Emergency Oxygen
LANGUAGES STUDIED
Spanish and Hebrew
TRAVEL
Cuba, Germany and Israel
HONORS
2017 Breath of Life Award
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
San Francisco, California
2016 President's Volunteer Service Award
Prudential Spirit of Community Certificate of Excellence
Newark, New Jersey
2016 The National Society of High School Scholars
Alameda Community Learning Center
Alameda, California
2016 Hertz Israel Scholarship
Temple Beth Abraham
Oakland, California
2014-2015 Outstanding Advocacy Award
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Washington D.C.
2013-2016 Science and Engineering Fair
Behavioral Science, Medicine and Health Awards
Alameda County, California
2012-2016 Health Advocate
Profiled in Alameda Journal, Alameda Sun, Oakland Tribune,
San Jose Mercury News and Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc.
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2014 Youth Innovative Technology Award
Alcon Laboratories
Fort Worth, Texas
2014 Kate Bertko Olympian Award for Inspiration and Leadership
Oakland Strokes Rowing Club
Oakland, California
2013 Community Holocaust Remembrance Presenter
Oakland, California
2011 Bat-Mitzvah
2012 Jewish Family and Children Services
Volunteer Appreciation Award
Alameda County, California
2009-2010 Swimmer of the Year Award
Ala-Gator Competitive Swim Team
Alameda, California
INVITATIONS
2017 Nominated for Girls Inc. Hats Off: Women Who Dare Awards
Alameda, California
2016 Nominated for National Youth Leadership Forum: Digital
Media, Film & Journalism
New York Film Academy
New York City, New York
2016 Nominated for National Student Leadership Conference
Alameda Community Learning Center Representative
2015-2016 Nominated for National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists Award of Excellence
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2015 Nominated for NICA Specialized Student Athlete Leadership Award
2015 Nominated for Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program
2011 People to People Educational Exploration Program
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LEADERSHIP
2013-Present Co-chair of Leadership Class; Contemporary Community Citizenship
Leader; Hannah Camp Coordinator; Leadership Committee/WASC
Representative; Curriculum Committee
Alameda Community Learning Center
Alameda, California
2014-Present Concussion Screener
Alameda Community Learning Center
NEA Community Learning Center
Alameda, California
2014-2015 Centerforce Youth Court Clerk
Oakland, California
2013-Present Teacher's Assistant (Middle School Humanities, High School History
High School Spanish II)
2013 Team Captain
Relay for Life
Alameda, California
2012-Present Religious Service Leader and Founder of Glee Club
Temple Beth Abraham and Midrasha
Oakland, California
2011-Present Camp Kesem Spokesperson
Annual Gala Fundraiser (Make the Magic)
Moraga, California
2010-Present Team Leader and Team Advocate
Cycle for Life (25 mile ride); GREAT STRIDES Walk-a-thon
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
San Francisco-Bay Area, California and Washington D.C.
INTERNSHIPS
2016 Prevention Institute
Video Editor
Oakland, California
2016 Save the Bay
Environmental Steward and Spokesperson
East Bay Regional Parks
San Francisco Bay Area, California
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WORK & VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
2017 Office Assistant
Prevention Institute
Oakland, California
2017 Optometric Office Assistant
Site for Sore Eyes
Oakland, California
2015-Present Lifeguard and Junior Swim Team Coach
Harbor Bay Club
Alameda, California
2016 Cystic Fibrosis Advocate/Lobbyist
Washington, D.C.
Silicon Valley Congressman joins CF Caucus
2015 Cystic Fibrosis Advocate/Lobbyist
Washington, D.C.
Ensuring Access to Clinical Trials (EACT)
2014 Cystic Fibrosis Advocate/Lobbyist
Washington, D.C.
Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act
2013 Cystic Fibrosis Advocate/Lobbyist
Washington, D.C.
Northern California Representatives join CF Caucus
2012 Cystic Fibrosis Advocate/Lobbyist
Washington, D.C.
Orphan Drug, FDA and NIH Support
2012-Present Gardener of Marina Cove Neighborhood
(Paid) Alameda, California
2010-Present Fundraiser Volunteer
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
San Francisco, California
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2005-Present Humanitarian Aide
Cuban Jewish Connection
Havana, Cuba
Food Deliverer
Jewish Family and Children Services
Berkeley, California
PRESENTATIONS
2016 Earth Day Coral Bleaching BELL: Florida Keys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyorgygM1dM
2015 Israel Adventure Blog
http://bethanystravels.blogspot.com/
2014 Cystic Fibrosis Medical Advances Advocacy Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBso-qBLjh8
2013 Cystic Fibrosis, Breast Cancer Fundraiser Website
www.merbay5.wix.com/cf-and-cancer
2013 Oakland Strokes Erg-a-Thon Fundraiser Website
https://www.piggybackr.com/bethany_kharrazi
ATHLETIC
2015-Present Ultimate Frisbee (Dark Meat) Team – 2nd place California State
Championship; California Roll Women’s High School Frisbee
Concussion Screener
Alameda Community Learning Center
2014-Present Norcal High School Cycling League
Alameda Rolling Thunder Mountain Biking Team
Qualified: State Championships
Team Logo Designer: Race Jerseys
2012-2014 Oakland Strokes Youth Rowing Club
Newport Autumn Rowing Festival, Gold Novice (8)
Pacific Rowing Novice Regatta, Gold Freshman (8)
Long Beach Jr. Invitational Regatta, Silver Freshman (8), Silver Novice (8)
Southwest Jr. Championships, Gold Novice (8)
Oakland Strokes Invitational Series, Bronze Under 17 (8, 4x, 2x)
2014 Osnabrück Ratsgymnasium German Tour/Exchange
2007-2011 Alameda Elite Swimming Association
HOBBIES/INTERESTS
Camp Kesem (6 years)
Guitar
Bicycling
Reading
Writing
Video Production
Traveling
LIST OF BOOKS READ
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
The Red Umbrella by Cristina Diaz Gonzales
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Narrative of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
Antigone by Sophocles
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
My Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. le Guin
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? By Philip K. Dick
Othello by William Shakespeare
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
Down The Nile: Alone in a Fisherman’s Skiff by Rosemary Mahoney
The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon
The Tempest by William Shakespeare
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
ACLC Work
Click here to see more videos like the ones above!
Many facilitators at ACLC give less structure to their assignments, giving the learners a chance to turn in a project in a medium of their choice. I enjoy filming and editing videos, so I love taking advantage of these open-ended projects. Below is a slideshow of only some of the videos I have made during my time at ACLC. Read the captions above each video for more information about the individual projects.
Action Plan
In 20 years I will be 36 years old. Predicting this far into my future seems a little daunting- especially since I haven't even been alive for 20 years! But as a senior in high school, thinking about my future fits with the theme of this year.
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In four years, I expect to graduate from college, not necessarily knowing what I want to do in my career or where I want to be geographically. I hope to take time to explore the natural wonders of the world. Hopefully I can get a job in a field that allows me to work away from home and promotes traveling. Eventually, I plan to venture back to California where I can consider settling down more seriously with a significant other and/or a dog (or several, you never know).
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I want to work with local communities. Whether that means helping restore the natural environment or helping educate Jewish youth, I can see this taking many forms. Traveling abroad will definitely be part of that. I want to continue my work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and advocate on my brother's behalf and raise money for research.
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Once I have lived as an adult for 20 years, I hope to be able to look back on my time at ACLC and see how my middle and high school education has helped me. It would be crazy to visit the Leadership class when I am home from college and see how it has grown and if the traditions have stayed. I want to give back to ACLC in some way.
Internships
My first internship was with the Prevention Institute (PI) where I edited filmed interviews of people from across the country who are part of the UNITY Network (Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth). These people came together for a convening at PI where they discussed how their cities have made progress towards engaging youth and increasing their safety. The edited videos will be featured on their website.
Total: 48 hours
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July 7, 2016
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I was introduced to many people around the office and my two supervisors, Casey and Mego. They described the project to me and helped me set up the computer and other equipment in one of the large, gallery rooms. I had a mini panic attack when I noticed I was going to be using a PC and Adobe Premiere Pro (which I have never used before), but after checking it out, the software didn’t seem too different from what I was used to with Final Cut Pro. There were about 18 videos, each an average of 8 minutes long, so it took most of the day to go through all of them. We had some technical issues regarding audio transfer but hopefully it’ll be worked out by next week.
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July 14, 2016
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After meeting with Casey and Mego in the morning, I began editing one of the three topic videos I was to complete today. The audio was working, which made everything go smoothly. It was a little rough getting used to the editing software but I think I know where everything is now. Once I finished the three videos, I showed them to my supervisors. They liked them, but they were a little long and could have been shortened a bit. I understood, but it was a little difficult considering I wasn’t at the convening and didn’t have any prior knowledge to the content discussed in the videos. They realized this as well, so for next week they will try to give me specific time frames within the interview clips that they like and want to put in the videos. I felt really productive, but sitting all day on the computer is not necessarily my cup of tea.
July 21, 2016
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My supervisors gave me more specific parameters for my work this week which made everything go much smoother and quicker. I finalized those three videos I worked on last week and then I also finished two more and started on the larger videos that will be the main mode of broadcasting their work on the website. Many people will see these videos, so they have to be good. I’ve also been exploring the local lunch options and it is definitely something to look forward to during a long day in the office!
July 28, 2016
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Today I got most of the city profile videos completed and ready for review. The day went by pretty fast, which I appreciated. I am really getting the hang of the office lifestyle and video editing software. I also met some of the people that I’ve been introduced to virtually, through the interview footage. It’s a little weird to already know them before meeting them in person. They were all very kind and thanked me for my work.
August 4, 2016
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Lunch is still my favorite activity of the day. Today I completed all the city profile videos and got them reviewed, so they are basically ready to be on the website. With most of the videos under my belt, I feel pretty confident that I will be able to complete the last video for next week. This was my second to last day at the Prevention Institute, so there is a bit of a time crunch to finish this final video.
August 11, 2016
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Today was probably the most stressful day of my internship. I had a lot of last minute things to do and since this was my last day, I had to really buckle down and get to work. My supervisors took me out to lunch later, which was really fun and nice of them. I was literally working until the last second exporting the final videos. It was very anxiety-producing, but I felt really productive and proud by the end of the day of all the work I have completed throughout my internship.
Closing Reflections
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From living the office lifestyle, to teaching myself a new video editing program, and everything in between, my time at PI has been packed with new experiences. Being in front of a computer during the whole 9-5 workday was tedious and exhausting; something I hope I do not have to resort to in my future. The day moved pretty slowly (having a food coma after lunch definitely didn’t help the day go faster) but it did help to have kind supervisors who were grateful for my work. I learned a lot about how to react to and take advantage of criticism and feedback. I felt really confident throughout my internship at PI because I knew how to edit film, a skill few people around me had. I felt empowered and proud of what I already knew and how I can apply my knowledge to this project. It was interesting to be in the middle of all the action, since my workspace was in the common area, where people were walking between meetings and engaging in chatter with one another.
My second internship was at Save the Bay where I assisted during public and nursery projects by getting materials organized for volunteers, modeling restoration work and other operations. Due to this work, I was featured on the Save the Bay email chain and invited to speak at the Brunch by The Bay event on behalf of the “future” (youth leaders) in front of long-time members and supporters.
Total: 28 hours
July 23, 2016
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Today I went to the Oro Loma Sanitary District to weed some of the restored marshland by the Bay in San Lorenzo with Save the Bay. I met many volunteers and was reintroduced to Jack and Nissa who held the B.E.S.T. program for our biology class. The water treatment plant at this site puts the filtered water back into the Bay through a three mile pipe, which in turn uses lots of water and other resources. To make the process more natural and restore the natural wetlands around the bay, Save the Bay and Oro Loma have partnered to create a horizontal levie made of marshland. There are many benefits to this, but this is just an experiment at this time, so we have to see if this will work out. If it does, then more systems like these will be implemented in other places around the Bay. I loved getting my hands dirty (literally) in really direct ways that help my natural home and community. I’m really looking forward to working with Save the Bay!
July 25, 2016
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I visited the MLK shoreline nursery today to participate in a staff day. I was accompanied by a fellow, the nursery manager and Rachelle, who set me up with the internship. We transplanted salt grass into rose pots and collected some seed. I got to chat with save the Bay staff and get to know what everyone does and how the organization works. My favorite part was collecting seed because it felt so natural to do. Taking seed directly from the ecosystem we want to replenish just makes so much sense, so it felt really good to make that process happen. It was also really great to do restoration work so close to my house. I didn’t even know that nursery existed!
July 27, 2016
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I had the great opportunity to be interviewed to be highlighted on an email blast that Save the Bay members will receive. Rachelle and I were both interviewed on a conference call taken in the office in downtown Oakland. They asked me about my restoration work, why I think it is important, and how I got involved with Save the Bay. I’m honored to have this experience.
July 29, 2016
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Today I went to the Palo Alto Baylands nursery, so I had to wake up pretty early to get a ride over there. It was a beautiful site of reserved wetlands, beautiful birds and green plants! One of my favorites so far. I met another high schooler from Gunn High School who is doing something similar to me. I worked with her and Jack to set up and help out at a corporate program held there. Kaiser Family Foundation staff (no relation to Kaiser Permanente) came over to participate in transplanting. They were a great group and it was fun to help Jack.
July 30, 2016
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With my Save the Bay t-shirt on, I felt like a pro helping out at the public program at Eden Landing today. We were weeding and picking up marine debris. We found couch cushions, baseballs and lawn chair parts. It is incredible how the more you look, the more you see. There were so many volunteers! Of those volunteers were many groups of high schoolers which made me smile. It felt good to be able to help people organizationally. Unfortunately today was my last day, but this past week has been awesome! I’ve loved every second of it.
Update: I actually happened to meet my Oceanography professor (prior to attending classes at Berkeley City College) who was volunteering there that day. Funny how small the world is!
Closing Reflections
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It’s confirmed: I love taking care of, respecting, restoring and learning about the environment! I have met so many employees and volunteers that share that same love and curiosity for the Bay Area. I have learned how to organize programs, maintain professional relationships and restore the Bay. Immersive learning is really important for me so it helped to have the ability to go to Save the Bay restoration sites and nurseries to get my hands dirty and my brain engaged with the ecology of botany and humanity. Every day had a different opportunity for restoration, which made my internship exciting and something to look forward to each day. The most challenging time was when Rachelle and I were arranging my internship. It took many months for us to align and for her to provide me with a project. I am happy we waited though, I think I gained an extremely honorable experience. Because of these early complications, I didn’t really know what I was initially going to be doing during my internship. So I jumped in head first and I think that really paid off. I can totally see myself working with an organization like this because I would get to work outside the office and have the chance to educate my community on our local environmental struggles and achievements. Helping the Bay has never been so prominent and important to me than it is now. I definitely have a newly found and intense appreciation for our ecosystems and how well our restoration activities have been over the years. I also have been very proud to represent ACLC because without having the B.E.S.T. program in our curriculum, I would not have had this incredible chance to be an intern at Save the Bay. I feel obligated and confident to help others find their passions within the natural communities around us. Everyone is part of this cycle, so we have to now recruit people that realize this basic biological fact so that we can make a difference on the local and global level.