Finding Bold New Paths

Siblings Imana and Alen Dizdaric have found bold passions to pursue after being inspired as students in Waterloo schools. With Imana ready to graduate from the University of Iowa this spring with a major in psychology, and Alen preparing for his first collegiate basketball season at Mount Mercy, these two West High alumni are making their teachers and their community proud.??

“It affects you, leaving a community like Waterloo,” said Imana Dizdaric “There are so many teachers at West that impacted me.”?

One such teacher is Ms. Heather Wagner, who teaches English at West high school. According to Imana Dizdaric, she was one of her most understanding teachers, challenging students in a healthy way while treating them as people first and students second. Alen Dizdaric agreed, citing her way of teaching as motherly, encouraging students toward their ambitions in education and beyond.?

For Alen, his love for basketball, and the added encouragement of Coach Cliff Berinobis, are what propelled him to search for a college that would support his desire to continue playing.??

“I’m a shooting guard, but I feel like for my first season I’ll be playing all over,” said Alen Dizdaric. “Playing at West, I learned a lot about mental and physical toughness on and off the court.”?

While both siblings found their collegiate homes in-state, they share in the appreciation of being far enough from home to explore life on their own, yet close enough to come visit family on the weekends.

“They’re the reason for who I am, and what I’ve accomplished so far,” said Imana Dizdaric. “I would not be able to do it without them”?

Upon graduating, Imana plans to continue her education, aiming next for her master's in mental health counseling. While she is thankful for the full-ride scholarship she earned from the University of Iowa, she advises graduating high school seniors to take a breath before plunging into a four-year program.?

“It’s okay if you don’t feel ready for college, and it’s okay if you don’t go, or don’t go right away,” she said. “Don’t rush yourself, just take it one day at a time.”?