Alumni Spotlight: Destiny Jones ’19

In this month's alumni spotlight, meet Destiny Jones ’19, a current sophomore at Brown University! 

WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

I am currently in my sophomore year at Brown University, where I plan on double concentrating in Sociology and Political Science. 

WHAT'S BEEN ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCES IN COLLEGE?

I have had many memorable experiences here at Brown, so it is hard to select just one. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be the trips I took with Brown’s Black Pre-Law Society. Last fall, I had the opportunity to attend law conferences at both Columbia and Yale Law Schools. The conferences marked my first trip to both New York and Connecticut.

I also had the opportunity to attend several fantastic guest lectures during my first year at Brown. Scholars such as Claudia Rankine, Kimberle Crenshaw, and George Lipsitz all graced our campus. I even had a chance to converse with Mrs. Rankine, and she agreed to sign my copy of Citizen: An American Lyric. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST VIVID MEMORIES OF POST OAK?

I have a plethora of vivid memories from my time at Post Oak, from making pancakes and waffles in the kitchen to the annual Odyssey Trip, as well as J- and A- term travel experiences. The immersive experience of the Nicaragua Field School is, hands down, one of my favorite memories at Post Oak!

In terms of academic preparation, the academic rigor that Dr. Cobos and Ms. Harrison’s courses provided helped prepare me for the extensive reading, endless papers, and seminar etiquette that is foundational for political science and sociology majors. As I look back over my time at Post Oak, I can see how every moment prepared me to meet today’s challenges. Post Oak equipped me with the tools to succeed. 

TALK ABOUT WHAT IT WAS LIKE AFTER GRADUATING. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO START YOUR NEW JOURNEY?

After graduation, I relocated from Houston to Rhode Island; this new transition was something that I had to prepare myself for. Although apprehensive at first, I was both curious and excited about the journey ahead. Life in the northeast has been a welcomed adjustment, despite the harsh winter weather. Rhode Island is such a cozy little state, and getting from one place to another takes minimal time. Now that I have begun to familiarize myself and create new social networks through my university, Providence has come to feel like home. 

HOW DID YOUR POST OAK EXPERIENCES HELP PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE OR LIFE AFTER POST OAK?

During my time at Post Oak, I learned how to manage a busy schedule while also maintaining social connections. Through the implementation of the IB program and internship opportunities, I was well equipped for the collegiate experience. In managing extracurriculars and a substantial workload while in high school, my time management skills were well established for the collegiate journey. 

Additionally, through my role as a student ambassador at Post Oak, I improved my public speaking skills. No longer shying away from a crowd, I conquered my fears. Furthermore, in my extracurricular pursuits at Post Oak, I learned how to lead, which has aided me in my current pursuits and extracurriculars, as I now occupy three executive board positions. 

WHAT PASSIONS AND INTERESTS DID YOU PURSUE AT POST OAK THAT YOU STILL PURSUE NOW? HOW DID POST OAK HELP FURTHER YOUR PURSUIT OF THESE INTERESTS?

During my time at Post Oak, I stumbled upon my passion for social justice and combating discriminatory practices prevalent within society. The J- and A- Terms I participated in and course materials regarding societal ills furthered my desire to make a difference. Having had the opportunity to participate in two interim courses related to social justice, I discovered my desire to be an agent of change. In January of my junior year, I participated in the “Race, Disability, and Gender in the Popular Imagination” J-Term. The following January, I participated in another course entitled, “Margins of the Law.” Participation in each of these courses furthered my interest in pursuing a career in the political realm. I learned a lot in these courses, and I enjoyed conversing and critically thinking through different scenarios, contemplating solutions to real-world issues. 

While at Post Oak, I also had the opportunity to found a social club dedicated to the liberation and unification of all oppressed peoples as well as educating young minds. The club was a great platform for my peers and I to discuss our political beliefs, sparking several intellectually stimulating conversations in and out of club meetings. In our meetings, we discussed history, politics, racial injustices, and solutions to positively affect global change. Today, the club is still active at the MDC, and I am currently revitalizing the organization on a digital stage, alongside others, to generate wide-scale societal change. 

HOW DO YOU SEE MONTESSORI EDUCATION SHOWING UP IN YOUR LIFE TODAY?

In my high school career, I was afforded the opportunity to chart my own journey and engage in many positive life-changing adventures. Wanting to continue my unorthodox, intellectual journey, I chose Brown University because it reflected the academic environment I found at Post Oak. Brown’s implementation of the Open Curriculum, in my opinion, mimics that of the Montessori philosophy. To organize and take ownership of one's education is truly a privilege. The Open Curriculum at Brown affords the student the ability to have authority over their future and the fields they wish to specialize in, allowing young minds to independently cultivate the future of their dreams, much like how the Montessori philosophy touts independence and self-responsibility. 

IF YOU HAD TO PASS ALONG WORDS OF WISDOM TO POST OAK STUDENTS, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?

Take advantage of every opportunity you are afforded and do not be afraid to try something new. Be yourself, live your life, expand, and grow! Fully immerse yourself in a myriad of school activities, from clubs to sub-committees. Take on leadership roles if you can do so. Do not be afraid to find your voice and stand in your truth!