A Trip Down Memory Lane
“I came to this school with the intention of a fresh start. From that day on, I can truly say that this school has changed me for the better. It’s been 3 years now, and my chapter is slowly coming to an end.”
THUMP. THUMP.
I felt my heart racing as I signed onto a Zoom call for orientation. It was my first day of high school. Emotions for sure ran high. It was 8:59 AM, and school started at 9. I clicked join meeting, and there I was faced with the girls of the ‘Proudest Family,’ along with my advisor: Ms.Haught. This was the very beginning of my high school experience. I came to this school with the intention of a fresh start. From that day on, I can truly say that this school has changed me for the better. It’s been 3 years now, and my chapter is slowly coming to an end.
Comp Sci High’s mission statement is to ensure every student graduates with college acceptance letters, high tech skills, real work experience, and a plan to turn those opportunities into a successful career. Being here at this school I have trust in their mission statement. As I am in the process of my senior year, I know that I will get into college because of this school. The opportunities at these schools are endless; we have a website just for job opportunities. These internships gave me the insight of how working in the real world is. Not many students my age are fortunate to experience that.
My very first internship was SYEP: Summer Youth Employment Program. I was put in the healthcare field, I learned how the day to day life looked like. I worked for Project Destined, a real estate internship where we learned about real estate, real estate opportunities, and real estate investing. Then, I did an internship at BlackRock, an asset management firm, where I worked nine-to-five for the first time. I got to work in the global marketing field. It was such a cool experience. These internships inspired me to do better, teach me to network, and to care for my future.
Schools in the Bronx are often underestimated, since the Bronx is one of the poorest and underdeveloped boroughs. There tends to be this stigma and stereotype that Bronx residents can’t do well in life or “get out” of the Bronx because of the limited resources that are provided. Comp Sci High strives to break that stereotype by providing their students with opportunities such as internships, college counseling, and a community where you know you are always safe and welcomed. Comp Sci High gives their current and graduated students a sense of “home” so when students graduate they know they have a group of people rooting for them and always there to help them.
This school is very big on building community as an addition to breaking stereotypes, so black and brown minorities have a sense of shared identity. When enrolled in this school you are placed into an advisory where you are with around 20 kids, who are basically your family. These are the people you spend the rest of your 4 years with and gain multiple friendships from. Comp Sci high is not just a school where it is just class and then you go home. We incorporate many different ideas and aspects to make school a better place. These are the people you laugh, cry, argue, and make memories with. This is what makes Comp Sci different; we establish a sense of community. No one wants to go to a place where they spend almost 8 hours a day, 5 days a week without enjoying being there or vibing with the people you engage with.
Yahillyah Shaim, a senior, mentioned how advisory is a consistent space for students to get closer together: “Advisory has changed from what it was before, not only because of my attitude but because advisors implement games, and activities to build community.” She went on: “In advisory last week, we were playing jeopardy, it was very competitive and fun to come into a space, relax and have fun with your peers without worrying about stress.” On top of advisory we have mix and mingle activities, dress down days based on community culture, and apartments. Once in a while, we dress down based on things that need more awareness. At school we recently wore blue for Bullying Awareness Day and teal or purple for Suicide Prevention Day.
This year Comp Sci High is working hard to build a stronger sense of community because there is potential to be better than previous years. So far this year the biggest help in bringing the community together was Spirit Week. Spirit Week is a week of school dedicated towards school spirit and community bonding.
Being in the process of bringing the idea to life was very fun and an eye-opening experience. Adyel Lantigua, a senior in the advisory Hard Work Pays Off, mentioned how he doesn’t think most high schools in New York City do something like Spirit Week and “if there’s anything [he] would remember about high school it would be this.” This just goes to show the way that Spirit Week had an impression on him.
Alex Narvaez, a senior in the advisory, The Proudest Family, mentioned how he really enjoyed Spirit Week: “Spirit Week made me feel like I’m able to be myself without being criticized.” Special thanks go out to Mr. Mosley, Ms. Alder, Ms. Kniesh, and Senior Council for putting it all together. Even more thanks go out to teachers and advisors that organized and built up hype, got pied in the face, organized the volleyball tournament, and hosted the pep rally.
Thinking back to that moment years ago when I logged on to advisory with Ms. Haught, It felt like these years have gone by in the blink of an eye. From 9th to 12th grade, this school has changed me in so many ways I could not imagine. I grew immensely as an individual and made so many friends and memories that helped push me out of my shell and taught me many valuable lessons. While coming to school everyday is not always something I look forward to, I’m still happy with my choice of school and grateful for this community. High school is slowly coming to an end, and it’s a bittersweet moment as it also welcomes many unique and beautiful beginnings – that first step into adulthood.