Accomplishing goals her way

For many, pictures convey words.

For 18-year-old Alicia Stein, they are a captured expression that she can revisit whenever she pleases. It was this ability that drew Stein to focus on photography in her free time and often within school. The joy of capturing such moments makes sense for the girl who grew up as a generally happy child. Looking ahead, Stein hopes to one day work with children who have disabilities.

Stein was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 9 months old. She’s had intensive therapy since a young age and jokes about having many more doctors than her two younger siblings. Despite this, the San Mateo High senior was content to take an "I can do it” attitude toward school and enrolled in regular classes. She has limited use of her right hand, but learned how to use what she has to be successful in both school and hobbies.

"Despite her disabilities, Alicia has never let them get in her way of accomplishing her goals,” San Mateo High Principal Yvonne Shiu said. "She is active at school; she is seen at almost every school event with a camera around her neck. She is the photo editor of our school yearbook, The Elm, which I just previewed, and have to say that it is outstanding. She is also active in Renaissance Leadership and played the French horn in the school band. She is always seen with a smile on her face and spreads her positive attitude and enthusiasm to all that meet her.”

The Hillsborough resident began taking the French horn in fourth grade while at West School. All fourth grade students have the option of playing an instrument. Stein recalled learning the details of many like the flute and saxophone. She approached the teacher after the talk to explain why she couldn’t play any of those instruments and asked if there might be another. That’s when Stein picked up the French horn, the only left-handed instrument, she explained. Stein began with private lessons and joined the band at Crocker Middle School. She continued to play in the band through her junior year at San Mateo High.

Stein’s family wanted her to attend San Mateo over her home school of Burlingame for its block scheduling which allowed for art classes. The transition allowed Stein to take photography and continue with music, but meant attending a school different from the one where all her friends were. Being that San Mateo and Burlingame are rival schools, the change has been cause for some good-spirited teasing between Stein and her oldest friends.

Stein had a camera from a young age but really began learning about the art of photography her freshman year. She expanded her lessons to include summer courses. Her work caught the eye of a teacher who encouraged Stein to be on the yearbook junior year. Although Stein declined, she volunteered to help during an open period resulting in work on two two-page spreads. This year, Stein is photo editor for the yearbook.

Her senior year, San Mateo also introduced a new class, Renaissance Leadership. Stein was requested to join the class and shuffled her schedule around one month into senior year to accommodate the course. The leadership class looks to promote academic success with monthly rallies and incentives for those earning a 3.0 grade point average or above. Participating has been a wonderful experience for Stein who takes photos and puts together slide shows for the events.

When she has free time, Stein enjoys skiing. She gave it a go for the first time during a blizzard when she was little. The attempt was not a success, but Stein returned a couple years later and now enjoys the sport. She also enjoys knitting and crocheting.

In the fall, Stein will be attending Dominican University in San Rafael. She’s currently undeclared but has hopes of studying occupational therapy to work with children.

The San Mateo High School graduation is 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware St. in San Mateo.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.