2010 Chelsea (Woodbury) Carrizales
When did you graduate from HHS and where did you go from here?
I graduated in 2010 and attended Adrian College until January 2011- I then moved with Brandon Carrizales to California to follow him while he was in the Marine Corps. I attended Grand Canyon University online and graduated in 2014 with my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. We then moved back and I had a couple different jobs (one being my photography business - Chelsea Carrizales Photography). In March of 2017, I had my daughter Gabriella so now I'm a stay at home mom and currently working my photography business and also working for a company called VIPKID. It's teaching children in Beijing English online.
Can you tell us a little bit about the company you work for?
My photography business is out of Hillsdale, MI. I do most anything, but really love doing weddings and families. VIPKID is a company based out of Beijing. It is a company that helps students learn the English language online, one on one. I skype the student and teach the lessons, which are already all made up via VIPKID.
What does your workday look like?
When I'm teaching, I usually wake up around 4 and start teaching classes around 5. I do that until around 7/8 and then my daughter wakes up. I then turn to being a mom and playing with her all day. I really only do classes in the morning before she wakes up, which makes it nice because then the rest of the day is focused on her. Summers and fall are usually full of weddings and regular photo shoots, which make for an all day affair.
Can you tell us what your time at HHS was like?
I was very active in athletics while I attended high school. I played tennis, soccer and tennis. I didn't have many best friends, but tried to be friendly to everyone. I enjoyed Friday night football games and school dances.
How did your time at HHS help you now?
Even in just my photography business, I've taken what I learned from Mindy Eggleston in her Photoshop class and used it to better my work. I used to work at Northside Veterinary Hospital as an administrative assistant, and used my technology skills to better myself at that job. Mindy and Jenny Duff helped me find my love for technology.
Is there a teacher who had a significant impact on your life?
Mindy Eggleston and Jenny Duff were the biggest teachers that made the biggest impact. They made learning technology fun and gave me projects that challenged me to get better.
Advice for current students?
Take it all in. Before you know it, you'll be gone and off to college. Learn how to study- that's one of the biggest things you'll need to succeed in college.
Anything else?
Have fun! Get involved. Make an impact.
