American Alyssa Skites ‘17 attended ASB from Grade 9 through 12, during which she co-founded RefugArt, an event that combines art and philanthropy to raise awareness for the plight of refugees, engaging ASB students in philanthropic programs to impact future giving. Following high school, she attended San Diego State University, graduating in 2020 with an interdisciplinary studies degree in Political Science, Economics, & Journalism.

Currently the author of Hopeful Despair, a book that shares the stories of social impact workers (available on Amazon), she is also an English as a Foreign Language teacher as well as the founder of Global Healing Exploration (on Instagram @globalhealingexploration), a platform that seeks to educate our readers about unique healing modalities around the world and how other cultures view/approach medicine. Additionally, Alyssa is in the process of becoming a certified yoga instructor through trauma-informed training done in Xico, Veracruz.

What experiences or teachers from ASB might have inspired who you are today?

“Ms. Marta inspired me to believe in my ability to make a change. Ms. Thompson challenged my perspective on literature and the power of words. Finally, Ms. Ana showed me a type of kindness I hope to spread into the world and taught me that creative expression is not only about aesthetics but a means through which we can self-emote, learn, and promote social change.”

Tell us a little about any extracurricular or service activities you were involved in at ASB.

“I was on the girl’s soccer team throughout my entire time at ASB. In addition, I co-founded RefugArt, which became a huge source of inspiration for my post-high school endeavors.” 

What would be a favorite ASB memory?

“Going to Madrid with my IBVA art class is by far one of my favorite memories from ASB. Not only did it add to my artistic vision, it definitely made our already close-knit class even closer!”

In your opinion, what makes ASB special?

“I think ASB’s diversity and focus on community service collide to create an environment that is conducive for mental, creative, and emotional growth. Inspiration breathes through the bustling hallways!”

If you could describe ASB in one word, what would it be?

“Home (I think so many of us in the ASB community feel a bit nomadic and don’t have one set idea of what “home” is. But somehow, together, we created something that felt a little like home.).”

Once a Lynx, Always a Lynx!
#Lynx4Life #ASBtogether

Contributed: May 2021