Alexys Hewlett Interview: Chavez Policy Pulse (Alumni Edition)

My name is Alexys Hewlett, and I am a proud Chavez Parkside High School Class of 2016 alumna and Chavez Middle School Class of 2012 graduate. Chavez has always been more than a school to me—it has always been home.

Whenever I needed support, whether financially, academically, or even having food in my home, Chavez was there for me. My experiences at Chavez helped shape me into the leader I am today. From participating in the Thesis Symposium and speaking before members of Congress to serving as Student Government President and becoming a Simon Scholar, Chavez gave me opportunities to grow into a well-rounded, confident young woman.

Now, as an educator at Chavez, I have the opportunity to give that same love, support, and guidance back to the next generation. I want to pour into my scholars the same influence, passion, compassion, and love that was poured into me.

Watching my scholars discover themselves and grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of being an educator. This past Class of 2026, in particular, showed me what it truly means to be a teacher. I had the privilege of watching many of them grow from 10th-graders to seniors, witnessing their challenges, triumphs, trials, and transformations along the way. Coaching and supporting them as they became the young women and men they are today reminded me why I chose education in the first place.

The advice I would give every Chavez scholar is to remain open-minded. You never know where an opportunity may come from. Don’t be shy about stepping outside of your comfort zone. Just because nobody else is doing something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. And just because something isn’t considered “cool” doesn’t mean it isn’t worth exploring.

Don’t follow the crowd—be yourself. You are unique, one of a kind, and bringing something different to the table has value. Do what you love, explore what interests you, and allow yourself the freedom to grow. High school goes by faster than you think, so grab it by the reins and get everything you possibly can out of the experience. Take advantage of the opportunities, build relationships, make mistakes, learn from them, and most importantly, allow yourself to become the person you are meant to be.

That is my “why.” That is why I chose Chavez, and that is why I will continue to choose Chavez for as long as my heart calls me to serve here.

-Alexys Hewlett