STUDENT PROFILE:
Carlos, Monsignor Scanlan High School, Class of 2010, Valedictorian
Luz, Monsignor Scanlan High School, Class of 2010, Salutatorian

How is your high school different from your middle school?

Carlos: There is a huge difference between public schools and private schools. One aspect I did not think I would enjoy was the uniform policy. Now, four years later, I think that the uniform has helped me feel more comfortable and mature in a professional setting.

What college would you like to attend? Do you know what you want to study?

Luz: I will be attending NYU in the fall and will be studying psychiatry.

Carlos: My dream school is Columbia University where I am currently on the wait list. If not Columbia I will attend a CUNY school. Either way I will be studying architecture.

Do you remember meeting your Sponsor for the first time? What do you remember about the first meeting? Was your Sponsor anything like what you expected them to be?

Luz: I remember my sponsor, Kristen Coleman, being extremely friendly and enthusiastic. She is still that way today. She made the whole ‘meet and greet' very easygoing.

Carlos: I don't typically enjoy meeting new people for the first time. I assumed it would be awkward and a little forced. My sponsor and I met and went out to dinner. I quickly realized that my sponsor, Charles Honara, was someone I respected and could count on. He took an immediate interest in what I shared with him and even got me a membership to the Municipal Arts Society of New York after I told him about my passion for architecture.

How has your relationship with your Sponsor changed since you met for the first time?

Carlos: Charles and I were just recently paired at the beginning of my senior year. From the start he has taken an active role in the college application process. I knew I could count on him from the beginning but was blown away when he called me before my interview at Columbia University and took me out to dinner to prep. It was incredibly helpful and I was grateful for his interest in my future.

Luz: Kristen and I have maintained a good relationship over the years. She doesn't act as a parent, a teacher or a friend, but as a strong mentor who is there to offer me guidance and check in on my academics as well as many other aspects of my life.

Who are your heroes? Who do you look up to?

Luz: It is difficult to pinpoint one person as my role model. I find it more beneficial to try and emulate the positive characteristics of people in my life that I most admire.

Carlos: My hero is Michaela Daniel, my English teacher at my middle school JHS 118 William W. Niles. The first day of school in 6th grade she walked and in the first thing she said was, "welcome class of 2014." This saying really resonated with me. She dedicated her life to helping underprivileged students despite her privileged background. She knew what we were capable of achieving and instilled in us from an early age that we could and would succeed, and had a love for learning.

Do you have advice to new students for building strong relationships with their Sponsors, and for succeeding in high school?

Luz: In terms of high school, just be open minded about the entire transition. It is a huge change switching from public school to private and there are a lot of things you must get used to, especially the disciplinary code. It is important keep an open mind and ease into the change instead of fighting it. In terms of your relationship with your Sponsor, communication is a huge factor. I would suggest trying to email your Sponsor at least once a month to check in. It doesn't have to be anything too long, it is just important for your relationship that you try to keep in touch and show your Sponsor that you are appreciative of all that he/she does.

Carlos: I completely agree. Also, remember that "knowledge itself is power," and you will succeed in the four years of high school.

Was finishing at the top of your class always a goal?

Luz: I slacked off in middle school and didn't work as hard as I could. When I was granted this opportunity I knew that it was time to step up and take my education seriously.

Carlos: I also slacked off in middle school. When I entered high school I was ready to sacrifice in other areas, such as my social life, to dedicate more time to my education. Being valedictorian was not something I aimed for, but doing as well as I possibly could was.