Collegiate High School senior takes a “Step-Back” to help middle schoolers

St. Petersburg College’s St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School (SPCSHS) senior, Gybsen Rizzo, returned to his middle school alma mater to help fifth graders prepare for high school.

The visit was part of Senior Step-Back, a program designed by Gybsen, to bridge the gap between elementary school and high school. Speaking to students across four classrooms, he shared a personal journey from being a Skyview student to becoming a senior at SPCSHS.

The program encourages students to view middle and high school as a time for exploration rather than pressure.

“Even though college may feel far away, the choices you make now really do shape your future,” the senior told the classes. “No path is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ — it’s all about what works for you.”

The presentation highlighted several academic and career pathways available to local students, including:

• collegiate high schools and dual enrollment.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
• trade programs and career-focused tracks.

Beyond academics, the program focused on the importance of building strong study habits, learning from mistakes, and engaging with the community. The senior emphasized that hard work is not a “punishment,” but a tool to unlock future opportunities.

The visit served as a full-circle moment, allowing Gybsen to thank the teachers who helped shape his own education years ago.

“Things don’t necessarily get easier,” the senior said, “but with hard work, you do get better at handling challenges.”

Following a series of questions from the fifth graders, the presenter expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back.

One of three collegiate high schools at St. Petersburg College, SPCSHS offers students the opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and associate’s degree.

Visit the high school website to learn more.