Meet Julissa B. '25

Often, when Julissa B. ’25 has something on her mind, she and her advisor, Sandra Medina, sit together in the Great Room and chat.

Julissa’s desire to ponder, process, and take part in deep conversations about people, psychology, culture, and news — not with the intent to persuade, but from a genuine desire to understand different perspectives — is a real strength, says Dr. Medina, who is also her AP Spanish Literature teacher and advisor for the LatinX Club and LatinX Affinity Group, both of which Julissa participates in. “She’s an old soul in a teenage persona, so mature, respectful, and the embodiment of kindness.”

Another strength, says Dr. Medina, is the ease with which she asks questions — the kinds of questions others may be too nervous to ask. It’s a trait that was apparent from the day she arrived on campus as a freshman. Rather than intimidate her, the new environment spurred her curiosity.

“She’s not afraid of saying what she thinks and asking for what she needs,” says Dr. Medina. “But she also has this way of connecting with others, always saying hi to people, welcoming new students, and listening.”

Listening and paying attention come naturally to Julissa. She’s the only one in her close-knit family of five who can communicate with her older brother, who is nonverbal as a result of a stroke he suffered as a baby. As a means of communication and social integration, he developed his own form of sign language, which Julissa understands fluently. “From a young age, I became his interpreter,” she says. “I don’t see it as a burden; being a part-time caretaker for him is just a normal part of my life.”

Last year, she took the Student-Designed Research class in order to expand her knowledge in computer science, a field that “scratches my brain the right way,” she says. She ended up delving into special education as well, ultimately creating an app that helps those on the autism spectrum — many of whom are nonverbal, like her brother — to communicate.

Given these experiences — and the fact that she’s an active member of Kent Place’s Student Government, currently serving as senior class president — one could easily argue that Julissa is a natural advocate, giving voice to those who can’t easily be heard.

But she doesn’t see herself that way.

“Everything I do, from my activities in school to my relationship with my brother, is because of my love toward those who are in my life and my desire to ensure that their voices are acknowledged and heard. I don’t know if that makes me an advocate, but I always try to show respect and goodwill no matter what I do,” she says. “I live by my values and I want to reflect them through the time and effort I put toward my responsibilities.”

Not surprisingly, education — perhaps special education — is a field she looks forward to pursuing. Outside of Kent Place, for the last three years she has been an English tutor for the student-led ¡Aprendalo!, so she has plenty of experience.

“The experiences I’ve had with family and within Kent Place have taught me how challenging it is to meet everyone’s needs,” Julissa says, “yet I remain driven by my determination to leave a meaningful impact wherever I go.”

This article is featured in the fall 2024 issue of Kent Place magazine.