Salma Boukouj

Salma Boukouj
Elementary School: Kennedy Longfellow School
Upper School:  Putnam Ave Upper Campus
Upcoming Plans: Harvard University
Area of Interest/Study: Government
Career Aspiration: Attorney


Favorite subject at CRLS
History

Why is it your favorite subject?
History is my favorite subject because I have always enjoyed learning about the world around me and valued being culturally literate, and I think knowing history is a large part of that. This applies to all history, not just that of the US so I appreciate learning about the history of nations all over the world especially.

Favorite CRLS Staff Person
Ms. Lozada, Mr. Manaligod, Ms. Nathan, Ms. Campbell

What makes that staff person so special?

Ms. Lozada is someone who has made her classroom a safe space for students. The STARs room fosters community, family, and connections. That room is one I will never forget and Ms. Lozada played a key role in that. 

Mr. Manaligod is a teacher who one may be intimidated by at first, but staying in his classroom after school for support consistently showed me that he genuinely cares to support his students and makes his room unique with his vinyls and candy, and cares to showcase his personality through his teaching. 

Ms. Nathan was one of the best parts of my high school experience. As my guidance counselor, she supported me throughout my college process and beyond. As my advisor for my graduation project, she showed that she puts students first and is an advocate for marginalized students. 

Ms. Campbell has made her class a welcoming and fun space where we have important discussions that can spark discomfort or controversy, but she has made sure that her space is one where students can learn from each other and refrain from judgement. As her student and former teaching assistant, I was able to see how she makes her students feel heard as acknowledges everyone's point of view.

Extracurricular activities, clubs, school-related activities

Black Student Union, Intersectional Feminism Club, Arabic Club, Peer Mentor Support Group

What were some of the out-of-school time (O.S.T) programs that you participated in anytime between grades 6-12?
Cambridge Youth Council

How did being enrolled in any O.S.T. program(s) contribute to your success both in and out of high school? 
Being part of the Cambridge Youth Council has allowed me to understand more of what goes on behind the scenes in City of Cambridge and what steps need to be taken to make change within the city. Specifically, I learned more about advocacy and how to take feedback from youth and implement change. An example of this is starting a pilot of giving all high school students in Cambridge M7 MBTA cards to remove the burden of paying for public transportation during the school year.

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
Something I like most about CRLS is the community we have built among students, especially within the STARs crew and the events we put on, such as the STARs showcase, students v. staff basketball games, and more. These events build community among students.

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
You will not meet anyone like the kids here.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen about CRLS?
I would tell them to take STARs first and foremost, and join other spaces such as clubs where you can find your community that will support you throughout high school.

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