2016 Fall Dragon

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Venice ALBANIA ’20
Students at Oakland’s St. Elizabeth School knew they
could count on Venice Albania.
As student body president for 2015-16, Venice focused
on building an inclusive student community,
actively seeking input from fellow students to ensure
engaging assemblies and Spirit Days. As a peer tutor,
Venice mentored students in core academic subjects,
providing support and encouragement. And, as a talented
artist, Venice contributed the drawing for the
cover of the school’s 2014-15 yearbook and created
the design featured on the class sweatshirts for this
year’s graduating class.
Most importantly, Venice doesn’t shy away from
standing up for injustice. “Whenever someone is
treated unfairly, I speak up without escalating the issue,”
she said. “I feel fulfilled knowing that people are
listened to and acknowledged because of my efforts,
and feel I am an agent for those who would not be
heard otherwise.”
Now, as a freshman at O’Dowd, Venice hopes to leave
a similar mark in her new school community. “I like
being a leader, and like being a person people can
rely on,” she said.
When she was younger, Venice remembers older students
talking about wanting to go to Bishop O’Dowd
High School. When it came time for Venice to begin
her high school search, O’Dowd was one of the first
schools that came to mind.
After participating in a shadow visit last fall, Venice
knew O’Dowd was the place for her. “Everyone was
really welcoming, and I thought the classes were really
interesting and very engaging,” she said.
Venice is looking forward to getting involved on the
O’Dowd campus. Her interests include band (she
plays the flute), debate and leadership, and she’s also
excited by the prospect of further challenging herself
academically.
During her final year in elementary school, Venice
took high school-level Algebra at neighboring St.
Elizabeth High School, rising at 6 a.m. to be at school
by 7 a.m. for the start of class. Though it was difficult
in the beginning, Venice rose to the challenge and
excelled in the class.
Ultimately, Venice views high school
as an opportunity to open her heart
and mind to all opportunities. “I want
to leave O’Dowd with knowledge of
lots of new things,” she said.
Fall Magazine 2016 // 7