Cambridge Public Schools

Extra Curricula
Club 4, Track & Field, Falcon Friends, School Committee Representative/Student Gov’t, Model UN, Photography, CRLS Youth Participatory Action Research Program

Favorite Class at CRLS
History & English (specifically Modern World History and Creative Writing). The intersection of these two subjects allowed me to understand more about the concepts of privilege and oppression in both our history and current era; the brilliant English teachers at this school helped me creatively and thoughtfully express opinions, explore new ideas, and communicate powerfully with others.

Favorite Teacher
Dr. Parker, Ms. Trayer, Mr. Patterson

I hate to pick favorites because I think all of the teachers I’ve had at CRLS have been either hilarious, inspiring, or challenging — or all of those together — but some specific people have changed how my high school experience was, significantly.

Dr Parker: Dr. Parker treated me, and my fellow classmates, like an adult my sophomore year — her class challenged be more than I had ever before experienced, both socially and academically. It was incredibly rewarding. I began to learn from Dr. Parker as much outside the classroom as I did inside — we collaborated with a community organization to facilitate workshops on race/class at CRLS, and we worked together to bring more discussions about these pertinent issues into the classroom (through programs and storytelling). I found myself constantly inspired and challenged. She always said, “I’m always down to start a revolution!” And I guess, after three more years of a personal relationship, I am, too.

Ms. Trayer: Ms. Trayer strikes the perfect balance between making class engaging/challenging and being humorous and personable. She knows how to connect with every single student that walks into her classroom — if they do not demonstrate interest in The Great Gatsby, she will find a way to make the student excited about writing the paper, anyways. I continued to stop by her classroom long after the class came to an end, and like with Dr. Parker, I learned a significant amount from her just through casual or academic conversations. Also, she is incredibly willing and diligent to help with writing, whether they are for her class or not, and is unique for her dedication to students.

Mr. Patterson: A Calculus teacher at CRLS, finds a way to make his class both fair and challenging to students. He is always available for extra help, yet he also pushes students to think independently and work on problems with their own intuition — and thus, work on their confidence. Ultimately, he prepares students very well for college and life beyond.

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
I love CRLS for many reasons, but I think the most significant attribute to this school is the connection between diversity, in all senses of the word, and the willingness that students and staff have for talking about “real” issues. Students certainly learn more about themselves and about the world by having classmates from different backgrounds. When CRLS students responded with a school-wide “walk-out” to the Ferguson incident, and also the systems of oppression that allow such incidents to occur, it was clear that we were in a unique place filled with liberal-minded faculty and furiously curious students.

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
People should be aware of the highly intelligent, highly dedicated teachers. The faculty at CRLS makes the effort for students of all backgrounds to feel inspired and supported. I frequently tell outsiders of the community that CRLS houses extremely liberal, open-minded, and curious students. We are encouraged to express our thoughts, explore, make mistakes — there are no limits, here. Also, Mr. Smith quotes Drake in his graduation speeches. Quite special.

Advice to Incoming Freshmen
Find something, or perhaps a few things, that you truly are passionate about and go as deep as you can with it. It won’t get you as far to do everything just by skimming the surface. Find your support network in the school, spend extra time with teachers just to get to know them — it will be worth your time.

Take AP Environmental Science so we can change the world (much needed). Try a shift at homeless shelter (Club 4) — some of my best memories come from the kitchen.

Lastly, have fun. Meet people outside of your typical social group. Childhood and adolescent are precious.

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