Asha Lineberger recently graduated from Boulder’s New Vista High School. She grew up attending non-traditional schools and wanted to continue on that path in high school. Both of her brothers and her three cousins also attended, while her mom was a former New Vista teacher.

The Daily Camera talked to her about what it’s like to attend a small, alternative high school and her future plans.

Is there something about New Vista that works well with your learning style?

From what I had seen, New Vista seemed like a perfect fit for me. The way New Vista functions is super unique and a style that I believe more high schools should take on.

From project-based learning, mixed grades in all of the classes, hands-on curriculum and the opportunity for dual enrollment in Front Range Community College classes, New Vista really has everything a student needs to be prepared for post graduation, and I really appreciate that.

What’s been your favorite class or experience at New Vista?

My favorite class at New Vista was Women’s Literature taught by Vanessa Dimiziani-Cascio. I appreciate that this class took the time to break stereotypes and show the power that women hold in literature. This class, to me, is a great example of how New Vista breaks the mold and does what other schools are not doing. Classes like this have really helped me grow — not only as a student but also as a person — and have changed how I act and think. New Vista is heavily focused around equity and creating a safe and equitable environment in the school, which is a mindset that I believe I will carry on for the rest of my life.What was your senior project?

For my culminating project, I made a line of sustainable clothing. My idea behind this was looking at clothing brands that I regularly support and making them myself with thrifted material. This went very well, and I am super happy with how everything turned out and with the skills I developed.

One of the biggest challenges for me was my long-term time management. It was deceivingly difficult to motivate myself to work on a project that was due so far in the future. Although, in turn, I think this ended up being a blessing in disguise because I learned many strategies to help better this for myself in the future.

Were you involved in any school or outside activities or sports?

During my sophomore year, I started a club oriented around giving resources to the less fortunate. Throughout high school, I was taking voice lessons outside of school and in a band/duo with a fellow Boulder Valley School District student.

These were both incredibly fun for me and ended up being something that I could get credit for at New Vista.

I do wish that I was involved in more school oriented activities, but since New Vista has such a great community, I felt very connected with my teachers and peers regardless.

What are your plans after high school?

In the fall, I am attending college in Montana to study sociology. My original plan was to be a music therapist, which is still definitely an option for the future. My current dream job is to be a counselor for elementary school-aged children.

I have worked with kids through babysitting and nannying since I was in seventh grade and really wanted to continue this in my future career. I have also been inspired through many philosophical/psychology-based classes I have taken at New Vista and thought this would be a perfect path for me.