Springs Homeschool senior Isabella (“Bella”) Cantu, 16, has been selected to be a student ambassador to Japan as part of the San Bernardino-Tachikawa sister city relationship.
She was one of three San Bernardino students selected to represent their school and community to the people of Japan. Bella will meet with Japanese government officials and tour the country to promote international understanding, cultural awareness, and friendship between citizens of the United States and Japan. Bella will be in Japan during the summer; when she returns, a Japanese student ambassador will return with her to visit the U.S.
The Bloomington resident wanted to participate in the program, she said, because “I have always been interested in other cultures. I love reading and seeing pictures about places all around the world. Japan is a beautiful country with ancient traditions and mesmerizing beauty.” She added, “The thought that I could make a difference in my community and connect with others from another culture is what especially captivated me.”
Bella participates in learning center classes and is concurrently enrolled at San Bernardino Valley College. She chose the program, she said, because “I wanted to challenge myself academically in an environment that encourages me and works with my learning style.” The program has benefited her. She observed, “I have become more independent and responsible in my studies. This has allowed me to excel at the college level while still in high school.” The flexibility of Springs, she added, allows her to pursue other interests outside of school. These include music, cooking & baking, volleyball, softball, running, cycling, and do-it-yourself projects.
When she finishes school, Bella hopes to be a professional photographer; thanks to the CITE program, Bella will be able to intern at a photography studio in the new school year. She also wants to earn a teaching credential and teach English in another country. She concluded, “Springs has given me a whole new perspective about high school. I never would have thought I would be enrolled in college classes while still in high school, not having to wake up at the crack of dawn on school days, go to class in my PJs (online class days) and do homework that is solely for the purpose of learning and not just to pass time in the classroom.”
