Allegra Estrada, RCS c/o 2016
Submitted by Alyssa Kiefer in Alumni, Alumni News, Class of 2016, Home Page Stories, RCS Stories on December 18, 2019
An interview with Ministry-Bound and Future Doctor, Allegra Estrada, Bay Area Private High School Alumni
One of the RCS goals to #CelebrateRCS during our 50th anniversary is to connect with RCS private high school Alumni and see what God has been doing in their lives since high school graduation. Dr. Hearne recently interviewed RCS Alumni Allegra Estrada, class of 2016
As part of the interview, Dr. Hearne asked Allegra to share her thoughts on this month’s theme verse, Matthew 5:16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Allegra shared, “As believers, I think we are called to bring light to the darkest and hardest places. Just as the environment in a dark house changes as a lamp is lit, I believe we are actually supposed to change the culture around us, wherever we go, to look more and more like the culture of heaven. The Bible says that creation is eagerly awaiting for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God: we have the hope that the world longs for and that hope is not for us to keep for ourselves but to share with the lost and desperate. The Lord can do anything, but He chooses to use us as the vessels to reach the world!”
When did you begin attending RCS and what year did you graduate?
I began attending RCS middle school in the Bay Area in eighth grade in 2010 and I graduated in 2016.
Who were your favorite RCS Teachers?
My favorite RCS teachers were Mr. Russell, who taught the Bible in such a convicting way; Mr. Edington, who taught me how to challenge my own thinking at times; and Mr. Hendren, who made history so fun and interesting.
What activities did you participate in while a student?
I played basketball all of my years as a student, with Ms. McGrath as my coach all five years at RCS, and loved it. I was captain of the basketball team my senior year. I also participated in track and field where I ran the 100 and 300 meter hurdles and did shotput and high jump. I also participated in the drama team and performed in three plays during high school.
As a student, what did you love about RCS?
As a student at RCS high school in california, I loved the interest the staff took into me as a person. Whether I was in a classroom or on the court, I always knew that my teachers and coaches always cared about me as an individual. I also loved the Biblical principles that were introduced to me as a student. Being shown and taught the truth of the Bible has shaped so many core principles that I still carry today. I will never forget Mr. Edington’s key verse, Acts 1:8, which has became one of my key verses as well.
What did you do after graduating from RCS?
After graduating from RCS, I attended Chabot College where I played basketball for one year. After my first year at Chabot, I decided I wanted to become a doctor and began studying biology. During my time at Chabot, I was able to do reproductive endocrinology research at UC Berkeley. The graduate student I worked under published that research, and I was one of the authors of her paper on sex steroids in feline endometrial cells. After three years at Chabot, I transferred to UC Berkeley where I am continuing my studies in integrative biology. This past summer, I went to Brazil for three weeks on a missions trip where I ministered and preached at different churches and on the street. It was amazing to see so many people were healed and set free, and accepted Jesus into their lives.
What are you currently doing?
Currently, I am doing laboratory research at the university, where I am studying neuroendocrinology in birds. I am currently on track to go to medical school, after one more year at UC Berkeley. At Berkeley, I am also working with an organization called Circuit Riders with the goal of seeing transformation in UC Berkeley by spreading the gospel through the campus. I recently got engaged, and I am getting married January 8th, 2020! I am so excited to do life, ministry, and everything else that God has planned with my soon-to-be husband!
