Thriving Together
Finding Balance: How a Laguna Blanca Senior Blends High School and Yoga Instruction
Meet Olivia de Ponce, a twelfth grader at Laguna who’s not just excelling in the classroom but also on the mat as a yoga instructor. Inspired by her recovery journey from a knee injury, she recently pursued a 250-hour teacher training program at CorePower Yoga. Now, she’s balancing academics, the college search, and her teaching schedule, all while using yoga as a tool to manage stress and build community. In this interview, Olivia shares her journey into yoga, the challenges and rewards of teaching, and her vision for incorporating wellness into her future. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just curious about trying a class, Olivia has a passion for making yoga accessible, fun, and impactful.
How did you first get into yoga, and what inspired you to pursue teacher training at CorePower Yoga?
My mom has always been really into yoga, but I got hooked when I dislocated my knee during freshman year. I found yoga as a way to help my recovery. I was inspired to start teaching yoga when I saw the poster at CorePower. It had been something I was thinking about.
What was the most challenging part of completing CorePower Yoga’s 250-hour teacher training program while balancing school responsibilities?
It was surprisingly not too difficult to navigate teacher training and school work. I would have a Zoom call once a week and then an all-day session every Sunday. Since I was so passionate about becoming a teacher, it was a sacrifice I was willing to make.
What’s a typical day like for you as both a high school student and a yoga instructor?
What’s your favorite part about teaching yoga at CorePower?
If you could describe your yoga teaching style in three words, what would it be?
How do you personally use yoga to manage stress, especially with school, the college search, and work?
Yoga is my main tool when it comes to navigating stress. I personally practice yoga whenever I have time, even for a few minutes. I know that moving my body will make all the difference. With teaching, I have had less time to personally practice yoga, but teaching is a similar meditative state.
What’s a typical day like for you as both a high school student and a yoga instructor?
I typically teach on Wednesdays after school and on Sunday mornings. Wednesdays tend to be hard because it means I get home late, but at the same time, it is a great break from school. I love it because while I am teaching I am not able to think about a test, college, or do anything but be in the moment.
What’s your favorite part about teaching yoga at CorePower?
My favorite part of teaching at CorePower is the community. I have made a lot of friends from all walks of life through teacher training, and it has helped me to foster amazing friendships with people who are not in high school. I also love the freedom I have in my teaching. I tend to play more modern music, which I think makes my classes more interesting!
If you could describe your yoga teaching style in three words, what would it be?
Relaxing, peaceful, fun!
How do you connect with and inspire your students during class?
How has teaching yoga shaped your perspective on leadership or your outlook on life?
What's your favorite yoga pose or flow?
My favorite yoga pose is a side crow. It is an arm-balance and always challenges me.
How do you connect with and inspire your students during class?
I connect with my students throughout class by offering encouragement cues and using their names. I always love it when the teacher gives me a personal shout-out during class, so I try to do that as often as I can in my own classes.
How has teaching yoga shaped your perspective on leadership or your outlook on life?
Yoga has changed how I carry myself and given me perspective on the things that really matter. I never know how people are entering the studio, and it is my job as the teacher to give them space to heal and process whatever they are going through. Being an instructor has taught me that a leader is someone who gives people the space they need to be their authentic selves.
Do you see yourself continuing to teach yoga after high school? If so, what are your long-term goals in the yoga or wellness industry?
I definitely see myself continuing to teach yoga after high school. I plan to teach in college and maybe become the manager of a local studio. Because I am their youngest teacher, the possibilities feel endless. I eventually want to be a therapist, but I know I will use yoga in my practice.
How would you encourage someone who has never tried yoga to give it a shot?
My class is made for beginners, slightly heated, and covers all the basic alignments and fundamental postures. I know it can be super intimidating, but I truly believe everyone should try it once.
Do you offer private sessions or small group practices outside of CorePower?
I do! I am definitely open to private and more personalized sessions to focus on particular needs.
At Laguna, Olivia leads the Student Yoga Club, actively participates in the SOCK Club, and showcases school life by contributing to the student-run Instagram account Life at Laguna.
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Laguna Blanca is Santa Barbara’s premier private, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in Early Kindergarten through Grade 12.