Hi, I’m Karis.
I am a senior at Costa Mesa High School. I'm passionate about community activism., student civic engagement, mock trial, and the performing arts. I am the founder of OC Indivisible Youth, the first student-led chapter of Indivibsle in California. We organize students across Orange County to protect democracy, advocate for equality and human rights, and fight facism. You can learn more at indivisibleocyouth.com.
My theatrical resume is here.
Here are some of the extracirriculars I'm involved in . . .
President, Mock Trial (11, 12; Member 9, 10)
Led practices, mentored younger members, organized case preparation, and helped guide the team through competitions.
President (12), Social Media (11), Actor and Director (9-12), CMHS Theater Department
Performed in plays and musicals in both ensemble and lead roles while serving in a leadership role, directed one-acts and student-written plays.
Lead Organizer, CMHS Voter Drive (11, 12)
Led a schoolwide voter registration drive in partnership with Resilience OC.
Vice President, Madrigals Choir (12; Member 10, 11, 12)
Performed in concerts and community events with my school's advanced choir while helping coordinate rehearsals, create social activities, and support the leadership team.
Cheerleader/Dance Team Member (9, 10, 11, 12)
Performed at games, pep rallies, Dancing with the Teachers, and three annual dance showcases.
Storyteller, The Moth StoryLab (11)
Participated in a student storytelling mentorship, developed an original personal narrative, and performed it at a youth StorySLAM.
UCLA Global Studies Pre-College Program (11)
Awarded a scholarship to attend a UCLA college-level summer program focused on global studies and academic research, and developing skills in critical thinking, international analysis, and scholarly writing.
Human Relations Ambassadors Program (HRAP), Groundswell (10)
Selected for a year-long leadership and social justice program. Developed projects that promoted equity, civic engagement, and positive social change.
Work Experience
Costumed Performer, OC Fair | Summer 2023-2026
Performed as the OC Fair's signature mascot, using physical comedy, expressive movement, and audience engagement to create memorable experiences for guests.
Babysitter/Mother's Helper | 2023 - Present
Provided childcare for 12+ neighborhood families with children ages newborn to 12, while also offering paid home organization and cleaning services.
Volunteer Experience
Founder/President, Indivisible OC Youth (11, 12)
Founded and lead a student-run chapter of the national Indivisible movement. Organized and empowered high school students across Orange County to advocate for inclusivity and take part in political action.
Lead Organizer, CMHS Voter Drive (11, 12)
I run a voting drive at my school in partnership with Resilience OC.
Assistant Director/Stage Manager, Davis Elementary School and Costa Mesa Middle School (10, 11, 12)
I volunteered at my local elementary and middle school theater departments to assist in their twice-yearly theater productions, helping as both assistant director, stage manager, and in any other capacity the director needed help with.
Volunteer, Olive Crest (10)
During my winter break I volunteered with Olive Crest, a non-profit that places at-risk children into foster families through DCFS.
College-Level Coursework
*Associate of Arts anticipated concurrent to high scool graudation (Spring 2027)
college coursework GPA = 4.0
SPAN C180 Elementary Spanish 1, Coastline College, Summer 2023, 5 units
SPAN G185 Elementary Spanish 2, Golden West College, Summer 2024, 5 units
GLBL ST 1 Introduction to Global Studies, University of California, Los Angeles, Summer 2024, 4 units
CMST C100 Interpersonal Communication, Coastline College, Fall 2024, 3 units
GEOG G100 World Regional Geography, Golden West College, Winter/Spring 2025, 3 units
CMST G255 Intercultural Communication, Golden West College, Winter/Spring 2025, 3 units
GEOG G180 Physical Geography, Golden West College, Winter/Spring 2025, 3 units
THEA G100 Introduction to Theater, Golden West College, Summer 2025, 3 units
ENGL C100 Academic Reading and Writing, Coastline College, Fall 2025, 4 units
ETHS G120 Geography of Race and Ethnicity in the U.S., Golden West College, Fall 2025, 3 units
GEOG C180L Physical Geography Lab, Coastline College, Fall 2025, 1 unit
MATH G115 College Algebra, Golden West College, Winter/Spring 2026, 4 units
STAT G160 Introduction to Statistics, Golden West College, Summer 2026, 4 units
POLT 101 American Government, Santa Ana College, Summer 2026, 3 units
ENGL G110 Critical Thinking and Writing, Golden West College, Fall 2026, 4 units
HIST G175 U.S. History Since 1865, Golden West College, Fall 2026, 3 units
BIOL C102 Introduction to the Concepts of Anatomy and Physiology, Coastline College, Fall 2026, 3 units
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