Ryley Just

November 20, 2018

AVID or Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a program that prepares students for college. Katherine Devnich is the AVID teacher and advisor. The AVID class takes trips to local colleges to tour the building and learn important factors in choosing a college. The class goes through what college is going to be like and what to expect in a college. 

Junior Alexia Just has been in AVID for two years and she is glad that she joined and it has helped her a lot with college decisions. She said “Yeah, the teachers are giving us different tactics to help us know how it’s going to be in college and the real world.” Since AVID is a college preparation class, being able to tour colleges could help you decide on colleges that you are interested in. Just said “It gives me a new perspective on how college admission and applications really are, it teaches me that all colleges are looking for primarily the same thing but for different prices.” AVID has given choices for colleges that she might not have gotten if she wasn’t in AVID.

Katherine Devnich has been the AVID teacher and advisor for 3 years and has had experience teaching a class like AVID for 10 years. Being responsible for hundreds of kids can be intimidating, but when you teach a class that helps students really prepare for life and helps them to succeed, it can be rewarding and AVID means a lot to Devnich. She said “Providing opportunity to all kids and reducing barriers that prevent kids from continuing their education.” AVID spends time going around to many different colleges, exploring together and has experienced fun times. Getting to experience a college tour has many advantages to take out of this class. Devnich stated “Having the opportunity to see students overcome obstacles and become successful students.”  

Jamal Chandler, a junior in his second year of AVID, chose this class so he could get more involved with his education. He said “It helps me with my study habits and helps keep me organized in school and at home” Getting to tour colleges is beneficial for students, so they know what is coming when they are ready to apply for a college. Chandler said “Doing college preparation and going on college tour field trips.” have been his best experiences in AVID.

AVID takes trip to experience colleges together and to get through the applications and admission together. Ms.Devnich takes time to help students better understand their education. They have gone to colleges around the state including The University of Washington and Washington State University. Taking this class can help prepare you for college and would help keep you organized with schoolwork.