Student Spotlight: Bella

The Juvenile Court and Community Schools student representative on the San Diego County Board of Education for August was Bella, a junior in the Project SAFE – East independent study program. 

Bella was selected by the East County Community School staff for her dedication to her schoolwork while also balancing motherhood and her own wellness. She is also working and acquiring valuable skills to advance her culinary arts career. 

“Her attendance and successful class completions have greatly improved,” said Principal Floyd North. “She earned an A in her first college course and is registered to begin her second course at the beginning of the fall semester.”

Bella is grateful for the support of the staff, especially her teacher Yolanda Collier, who has been a reliable and consistent support for her. She shared at the board meeting that her experiences at other schools had been challenging for her because she wasn’t getting the supports she needed from her teachers and wasn’t good at communicating what she needed. Bella found that she was more successful when she came to JCCS because she received the support she needed from her teachers.

“Ms. Yolanda always answers my calls and is available to help,” Bella said. “During my pregnancy when I was overwhelmed and not prioritizing school, she encouraged me to stay in school and made me feel a sense of self-worth. She is someone I can always count on.”

Bella is looking to serve her country in the Navy when she completes school, so that she can “provide for her daughter, travel, and be successful.”

Each month, the San Diego County Board of Education recognizes a student from Juvenile Court and Community Schools at its regular meeting.