Our DSST alumni are out doing some pretty incredible things. As part of our sendoff to seniors, we asked a few of them to share some life advice. Here is what they had to say:

First up is Nicholas Kukucka! Nicolas graduated from DSST: Montview in 2010 and is now the Executive Director for The Ganas Network.

Q: How did DSST prepare you for your post-high school life?
A: Being immersed in a community of teachers who cared deeply and diverse young leaders who brought their unique perspectives to the classroom has impacted my life in ways that I’m still exploring to this day. The rigorous course load also forced me to learn how to manage stress and made college seem easy in comparison.

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give to current DSST seniors?
A: I think I would tell my younger self to embrace discomfort. We grow the most outside of our comfort zone. Cultivate curiosity! Learning isn’t something that happens to you, but something you actively pursue. Don't let anyone congratulate you for getting your high school degree – you EARNED it. Also, apply for The Ganas Network's PAID Fellowship for early-career charter school graduates!

Carla Cobos-Hernandez graduated from DSST: Green Valley Ranch. This alumna is now working as a research assistant in the Neuromuscular Department at the Children's Hospital.

Q: How did DSST prepare you for your post-high school life?
A: DSST was able to prepare me for the workload that comes with being in college.

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give to current DSST seniors?
A: It's a marathon, not a race. Take your time with college and don't be discouraged and know you belong there.

Next up is Sophonias Paulos, Special Education Teacher at our very own DSST: Conservatory Green High School! Sophonias graduated from DSST: Green Valley Ranch in 2015.

Q: How did DSST prepare you for your post-high school life?
A: DSST prepared me by teaching me critical skills, specifically being able to articulate about difficult concepts and ideas, and understanding the nuances within my own studies in college.

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give to current DSST seniors?
A: Develop time management skills now! In college, unlike at DSST, there won't be teachers/ professors that will be consistently checking to make sure you have your assignments and projects done. It's crucial to be able to complete your tasks on time.

The last alum we talked with is Sam Brasch, a DSST: Montview graduate from the Class of 2008 who is now reporter for CPR News!

Q: How did DSST prepare you for your post-high school life?
A: Integration is DSST's greatest strength. While academics are always important, I learned the most from my fellow students and teachers, who built a community as diverse as Denver itself. Those experiences taught me to always approach people with full-hearted curiosity, a skill I still use daily in my work as a reporter.

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give to current DSST seniors?
A: In a more chaotic world, my advice to students would be to stick by their friends at all costs, especially if those people come from different classes or ethnic backgrounds.