Meet 2023 Grad Amir Rayne

Our students are the best ambassadors of our small, tuition-free high school. Their self-awareness, communication skills and gratitude for the support they received throughout their 4 years at IVA High showcases just how successful our model is. Amir Rayne, member of our 2023 graduating class and our award-winning debate team, is one of these powerful ambassadors. We think her experience speaks for itself–enjoy getting to know Amir like we have for the last 4 years.  

Why did you choose IVA High? 

It was a small school and I knew I couldn't survive in big schools. The community welcomed me openly. From day one I knew I wouldn't be happier anywhere else.

How has IVA High helped you grow as a learner and an individual? 

IVA has helped me grow as a learner and individual by teaching me that failure is a part of the process. This is a GOOD thing. I came into IVA as a ruthless, self-sabotaging perfectionist. I came out, a flawed human being with an understanding that perfect doesn't exist and failure is the most important part of everything that is important. No matter how difficult anything is, the answer isn't the important part, it's the process that matters, right or wrong.

Tell us about your paid internship.

I completed a paid internship with Ports America in San Pedro last year. I learned a lot about logistics at Ports America, such as how important that line of work is and how every department in the office has to work together or else everything will go to chaos, resulting in people not getting their Amazon orders. I currently intern at EXP in Carson and have learned that there is SO MUCH behind-the-scenes work that goes on in organizations like this. I learned a lot about the ins and outs of running and/or working for non-profit organizations. For example, I learned about audits, which I initially thought were bad things, but for non-profits audits are actually really good because they are essentially vouchers and reviewers that help donors and stakeholders know that EXP is a trustworthy company.

Share a favorite memory from your time at IVA High.

I don't know why this was my favorite because I have always hated the fire alarm, but the last time we had a fire drill at school we all evacuated into the courtyard out back. For the first time the fire alarm didn't make me panic! I just walked outside casually and sat down to wait until we could go back in. After the alarm cleared, and everything was safe, a really fun thing happened…we all started playing volleyball together as we waited. Not just students, but staff, too. It made me so happy seeing us all enjoying each other's company and having fun together. It meant so much to me. That's one memory that comes to mind when people ask what my favorite memory was. Also honorable mention goes to the all school roller skating field trip and the Truman show field trip :)

Who would you like to give a shoutout to?

Ms. Nicky, Ms. Marquez, Mr. Avery, Mr. Garcia, Mr. Palmer, Ms. Makenna, Mr. Schmidt, Ms. Darlin, Kenya Walker, Victoria Aguayo, Vivian Villery and pretty much the entirety of past and present IVA staff. ALL of these people made my high school experience so full of love, laughter, and support, and I'll be grateful for the rest of my life. <3

Amir has made a profound impact on the IVA High community, bringing her creativity, perseverance and attention to detail to everything from class work to extracurriculars and even helping plan school events. We know she will continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Thank you, Amir!

Still needing to enroll for Fall 2023? Visit our enrollment page to get started. It’s not too late. 

About IVA High

IVA High is a fully accredited, tuition-free public high school in Long Beach, California with a mission to empower students to think well: creatively, critically, and with a capacity for self-growth. Our learner-centered approach puts students in charge of their education, while dual enrollment and paid internships transform learning into action. Students come for college prep, STEAM and limitless options for their future; they stay for smaller, safer learning in a vibrant, caring community. Join us–we’re building curious minds & empowered communities.