Helen Hailemariam

Favorite subject at CRLS
History

Why is it your favorite subject?
History is my favorite subject because it challenges me to question historical narratives, what I believe to be true, how my opinions are shaped and formed, and so much more. The dialogue that I have engaged with in spaces studying history -- whether our living history, generational and personal history, global, etc. -- I have learned the most. Not only on an intellectual level, but also about the lived experiences of those around me, how systems and societal constructs shape our world view, and much more. History is not only about knowing the facts, but also critically analyzing the context of that moment and the aftermath -- it is about the past AND the present. 

Favorite CRLS Staff Person
Benji Cohen and Sharon Lozada

What makes that staff person so special?
CRLS is home to many amazing educators who may not have had the opportunity to be recognized. This is a shout out to all educators, who have taught me or not, who are committed to empowering students through learning, and fostering a community of joy, empathy, agency, and more in their classrooms. Two special educators I would like to recognize include Ms. Lozada and Mr. Cohen.

Ms. Lozada wears so many hats in our building -- one of them being the educator leading the STARs (Students Taking Action Righteously) class. Her classroom has not only been a home for my Falcon Block for the pass 4 years, but also a space that has engaged me as a student and community organizer. This space had challenged me to think critically and to tap-into uncomfortable conversations. Her room has also been home to the many STARs events led at our school, the Black Student Union, and a safe space for my peers and I to hang out in. Her constant push to center joy in our school community, "walking our talk," student agency, and more, is critical to shaping authentic community engage here at Rindge -- and for that reason I appreciate her. 

Mr. Cohen has to be the educator that I have learned the most from! From how to write an email to writing a first-rate paper, he has taught it all. I started as a freshman in his 9th grade Level Up World History class, to being a teaching assistant (TA) in it the following year, to designing curriculum around the pedagogy of teaching and providing mentorship to TAs. It is from being a student in his class to teaching in his class, that I found of passion for education. Being in his classroom is a reminder that "I am still learning," and that there is always a voice to hear out and a conversation to engage in. For that reason I appreciate him.

Extracurricular activities, clubs, school-related activities
The CRLS Black Student Union (BSU), the Peer Mentorship Support Group (PMSG), and the Level Up TA Program.

What were some of the out-of-school time (O.S.T) programs that you participated in anytime between grades 6-12?
Out of school time programs I have participated in in grades 6-12 include: Friday Night Hype, Cambridge Youth and Caregivers Connect, Cambridge Equity Collaborative, African American Studies Initiative, The Students of Color Coalition, Mayors Youth Summer Employment Program, MIT/Wellesley Upward Bound, Harvard Radcliffe Emerging Leaders Program, and more.

How did being enrolled in any O.S.T. program(s) contribute to your success both in and out of high school? 
Enrolling in out of school programs has contribute to my success both in out high school by working in collaboration community organizers to strengthen my advocacy work. Whether that was connecting with educators at a professional development or helping to organize a basketball tournament, I gained insight by learning from other organizers. 

Additionally, engaging in out of school programs has helped me find community and engage with other young people, mentors, etc.

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
What I like most about CRLS is the community students foster and ways student led spaces have tapped in to student's genius. It is truly remarkable the life students brought back into CRLS, post-online learning, and how we are rebuilding a community folks once knew. Being a student part of this work, and seeing students join in, has helped to re-define leadership. Not only is action student led, but students behind the organizing are composed of different backgrounds -- that not always being the most vocal students or most "academically successful" students.

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
This can be a given at any high school, but I would suggest that you check you email! I know spams can clutter it most of the time, but the sharing of resources and communication is mainly done by email here. Better to to safe and make it a habit so you do not miss out on anything!

Additionally, we have a lot of interesting and fun classes! I certainly was a student caught up in the Dual Enrollment/AP/Honors classes hype, and missed out in engage with really cool classes. Some classes include: our RSTA (Rindge School of Technical Arts) classes, Media Arts classes, Visual and Performing Arts classes, and much more.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen about CRLS?
Join anything and everything you want to try here at Rindge, within the Cambridge community, Greater Boston Area, and beyond! I certainly did not use my freshman year to get involved because I thought the things I was interested in were lame, I was a student unfit to engage in a space, social anxieties, because I just did not try, and much more. As some who is now involved in "everything," you do not need to rush into this. Trust, it can be nerve wrecking to enter a space without "your people." But, what you do not know is that you can FIND your people in spaces that push you out of your comfort zone. Just do it!

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