06 Mar There’s No Place Like Home: Meet Returning Student Fernando
After spending 9th grade at SET High, a tuition-free charter school in San Diego, Fernando wondered if the grass was greener on the other side. Specifically, he was intrigued by the idea of a “real” (traditional) school -a bigger district school- and how it was different from SET. Curiosity got the best of him and he left SET. But after 3 weeks there, he decided there’s no place like SET and now he’s back.
Why did you leave and then come back to SET?
I decided to come back to SET because I realized I was already settled here and felt like I was already fine here. But I did want to branch out so that’s why I left and then I realized that I like SET more and the community I have built here.
Do you feel more like yourself at SET (as opposed to another school)?
Yes I do because of the community that I’m in and all my friends and teachers here make it better. So yes, I feel happy here and more like myself.
What do you like about the SET culture?
I like that everyone knows everyone and that’s the cool thing about it being a small school compared to other schools. It’s very accepting here and anyone can fit in.
What other activities are you involved in at SET?
In my freshman year I did basketball and I enjoyed it but I got injured, but while I was there it was fun (SET High belongs to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)). Now as a sophomore I’m not doing any sports here but might in the future. I’m also in Jewish Club and Heritage Club. The environments in the clubs are fun and are a good learning experience. Sports is a good environment too because you’re supporting your school and have friends joining you as well.
What makes SET memorable? What’s a class you’ve really enjoyed at SET?
My friends and the teachers make it memorable. Classes I’ve really enjoyed were with Mr. Apalategui (teaches English, Intro to Ethnic Studies, Creative Writing), Ms. Jokanovic (teaches Modern World History, Ethnic Studies, Government and Psychology), Ms. Diaz (teaches Art, both digital and studio), and Ms. Farias (teaches Spanish and ASB). These teachers made the classes fun and they are amazing teachers in all.
Who would you like to give a “shout out” to at SET?
Mr. Apalategui has helped me and he is an amazing teacher. He has a good personality and helps all his students and makes the class fun for all!
Please name a couple interesting facts about you:
I do Motocross, I play the guitar, and I do mixed martial arts (MMA).
Thanks for sharing your path to SET, away from it, and now back again Fernando! Join him and all our students at our WASC-accredited, California Distinguished High School. SET High is enrolling now– come shadow for a day and see for yourself!
About SET High
SET High offers each student individual attention from multi-talented, highly qualified teachers. Students at our California Distinguished School (twice awarded!) build a healthy camaraderie with classmates inside an intellectually rigorous environment that brings out their talents and personality, helping them develop their individual character and direction in life. With a wide variety of electives, flexible scheduling, dual enrollment college classes and more — our students regularly exceed their academic and personal expectations. Enroll now. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find us at www.sethigh.org.