Isabella Zimonick, who also goes by Adder, is a hardworking sophomore student at Wilcox. Originally from Newaygo, Michigan, Isabella moved to California in July 2022. In an interview, they shared insights about their identity as asexual, aromantic, and agender:
“To me, that means I don’t like anyone sexually or romantically. And when it comes to gender, nothing quite fits—neither boy, girl, nor nonbinary, even though I’m within the nonbinary umbrella.”
At Wilcox, Isabella is a member of the Gender Sexuality Minority Alliance (GSMA), having discovered GSMA through a friend who happened to be an officer for the club. For them, it’s a nice spot to hang out with those open to discussing LGBTQ topics and to be amongst other LGBTQ people. “You can embrace who you are without feeling like you need to hide.” One of their favorite GSMA activities is Booktok inspired, where members bring books centered on queer themes. “I brought The Girl From the Sea—a cute book I’d definitely recommend to anyone.”
Isabella has always had a passion for theater. When The Single Man was around the corner, they felt that this was their calling: “I saw on the announcements [theater was] looking for spotlight volunteers for The Single Man.” They look forward to getting more involved next semester with the Wilcox Stage Company.
Isabella also enjoys learning: “School’s always been my second home,” they express. While they enjoy all of their subjects, Spanish stands out as their favorite: “It’s a useful skill, and I’ve always liked the language. It’s nice to have the opportunity to learn it.”
Although Isabella isn’t completely sure of their future career endeavors, they are considering mechanical engineering. Physics teacher Mr. Iverson praises Isabella’s potential and exceptional ability: “Aside from doing all her work, she participates in class and asks good questions. She’s inquisitive and curious, the mark of a good scientist.” This shapes how Isabella approaches other aspects of life, including personal relationships.
Like many high schoolers, Isabella has faced challenges in navigating friendships. “The most challenging part of sophomore year is finding your friends. A lot can happen in a year, and I’m still figuring out how comfortable I am with the people I’m around.” Friendships have evolved over time for Isabella, as friends come and go: “You can grow apart from people and grow closer to others. Finding your place takes time, and it can be a constantly changing battle.”
Despite these ups and downs, she has this word of advice for others who may be going through similar struggles: “You don’t need to know everything right away—just go with the flow, let life happen for a bit.” They also encourage others to avoid judging others for their actions, reminding them that everyone is doing their best, but that that best looks different from person to person. Her best looks like being an academic weapon and thriving: “I’ve always been good at school, straight As and everything. But for my friends, just getting to class or engaging in class is already an accomplishment.” The most important value to Isabella is staying true to oneself. “If you have to change yourself to hang around people, then you’re not in the right place. It’s okay to step away when you don’t feel comfortable.”
Isabella also finds comfort and connection in online spaces, particularly on Discord. “I don’t have much social media, but I’ve found a really kind group of online friends there,” they shared. “We don’t play games much, but we bond over movie nights and talk sessions while doing other things. It’s a supportive community where we lift each other up.” Listening empathetically and offering support for friends is important to Isabella. “I try to help wherever and whenever I can,” they said. “Sometimes, just being there for someone makes a difference.”
Outside of school, Isabella has found relaxation in creative hobbies. Crocheting, or getting crafty with yarn and a needle to make embroidery patterns are her specialty. “I don’t knit though,” they humorously clarify. Their interest in crafts began in middle school when they took a home economics class and learned sewing. Two Decembers ago, their parents gifted them a mushroom crochet kit, sparking a newfound passion for crocheting. “Before that, I could never get the hang of it,” Isabella admitted. “But that experience taught me that just because something doesn’t work out the first time doesn’t mean it won’t eventually. It’s like how you can hate something at first because it’s difficult, but if you stick with it, you realize it wasn’t so hard—it was just unfamiliar.”
Even with experience, crocheting hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows: “It definitely tests your patience, especially when working with thin yarn and realizing you miscounted five rows and have to unravel everything. It can be frustrating, but it reminds me to trust the process.”
Reflecting on their journey from Michigan to California, Isabella conveys appreciation for everything Wilcox has to offer. “Wilcox has so much more diversity than where I grew up, a small town in nowhere Michigan,” Isabella says, laughing. “Everyone here is so welcome and open. I couldn’t have asked for a better high school to start at coming from a new state.”
