(Note: Celebrating its Silver Anniversary, NUSD is spotlighting some of its former graduates who have achieved success in college and career. To nominate deserving alumni, please call Communications Director Jim Sanders at 916-561-5267. Thank you.)
ASHLEY GONIK
NUSD Schools Attended: Inderkum HIgh School, graduated Class of 2012
College Attended/Degree Earned:
1) UC Berkeley, Class of 2015 — Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in History, with minor in Jewish Studies.
2) University of York (England), Master’s Degree in Art History.
Current Career or college status: U.S. Teaching Assistant in Austria
“I am teaching English part-time at a technical high school in St. Polten through the U.S. Teaching Assistantship Program (coordinated by Fulbright Austria).”
Q, How would you complete this sentence: NUSD was good for me because …
A: “…I had the support of my teachers and guidance counselors to shape a high school education that worked for me.”
Q: How did an NUSD education help prepare you for college or career?
A: “My NUSD education prepared me for college by making me responsible for the advanced and elective courses I chose to fill my schedule. I also honed my time management and leadership skills by participating in sports (golf) and other extracurricular activities (Friday NIght Live, Poetry Out Loud, Academic Decathlon, National Honor Society).”
Q: What advice would you give to current students?
A: “Try as many extracurricular activities as you can, challenge yourself with advanced courses, and take your Senior Project seriously. All of these will make your high school experience memorable and valuable for the future.”
Q: Favorite memory from NUSD days?
A: “I was so proud of my Academic Decathlon team when we were the ‘most improved team’ my senior year!”
Q: Future goals?
A: “I am currently applying to PhD programs in History, and I would love to work in higher education or museums in the future.”
NUSD’s BOARD-APPROVED VISION: “All NUSD students graduate as college and career ready, productive, responsible, and engaged global citizens.”
