Alumni Spotlight: Bella Villarreal

As a 7th grade student at the Advanced Learning Academy (ALA), Bella Villarreal, ALA ‘22, shared her interest in math with a student-teacher, Mr. King, who provided math tutoring during their homeroom classes. Throughout the years, Bella shared that Mr. King became her “math guardian angel” as he continued to support her throughout her high school career, even teaching her and other students calculus in his free-time. Bella’s interest in math led her to attend Grinnell College after graduating from ALA where she studied math, and researched math through her school and a program called MathILY-est.

Bella shared that one of the biggest benefits of being an ALA student was the freedom she had to make decisions about her own academic journey. Through the experiences she had and the classes she took, Bella says she developed a sense of self-direction and confidence by the time she went to college.

Throughout her post-secondary career, Bella has also prioritized her own joy and curiosity. From taking classes that interested her, to performing in local theatre, and even starting a student housing project through her school centered around communal cooking and eating. Bella said that when she looks back on her college experience, she is happy that she spent her time doing and learning what she loved.

Bella took the leap across the pond and moved to London to attend graduate school, which is a huge accomplishment in itself as she has been immersed into a new country and culture.   This past summer Bella worked on her thesis and became another step closer to earning her Master’s degree from King’s College in London this fall. Ultimately, Bella hopes to continue doing things that bring her joy, while finding ways to give back to her community. We look forward to seeing what is next for Bella as she transitions into her career.