Brandon Costello

Favorite subject at CRLS
French

Why is it your favorite subject?
The French classes I've taken at CRLS have been unforgettable thanks to the community. My French classes always felt like safe spaces where I could take risks and make mistakes without fear of judgment. I was also able to form close bonds with my classmates and teacher which made the learning experience especially fun.

Favorite CRLS Staff Person
Mme. Bhih, Ms. King, Mr. Gupta, Ms. Leonard, Mr. Roldan

What makes that staff person so special?
Mme. Bhih has been an incredible teacher and mentor to me over the last four years. Through her French classes, I've grown tremendously as a language learner while building close connections with people I might not have met otherwise. I also had a great experience as her teaching assistant (TA) and learned a lot about how she is able to tailor her class structure to meet each of her students' needs.

Ms. King may be the most organized teacher I've ever met. I found that the structure of her class is an incredible balance between covering all of the necessary content while also not overwhelming students. I appreciate how she was consistently available for extra help and how she always made individualized support opportunities a priority.

Mr. Gupta cares deeply about his students and shows it through his efforts as a teacher and club advisor. Having been a student in his AP Chemistry class and having worked with him through the Hiking Club, I have seen how Mr. Gupta always makes time in his busy schedule for students. Whether it's extra help on a difficult topic, planning for a club event, or even giving personal advice, Mr. Gupta is always there. 

Ms. Leonard is a very empathetic and caring teacher who has a strong ability to connect with her students both personally and academically. When I joined her Algebra 2 class mid-way through the add/drop period, she immediately made an effort to support me as I integrated into the classroom community. During this difficult semester of my life, I always knew I could count on her if I needed support for any reason.

Mr. Roldan is an incredibly skilled guidance counselor who has stuck with me through all of the ups and downs of my college application process. From reading endless essays, to offering meaningful advice, to helping manage my stress, Mr. Roldan has put so much time and effort into helping me succeed. I think of him not only as my guidance counselor, but as my mentor.

I would like to add that this is absolutely not an exhaustive list and there are many other staff members who have supported me greatly throughout my time at CRLS!

Extracurricular activities, clubs, school-related activities
Hiking Club, Freshman Mentor, French Club, Cross Country, National Honor Society, Political Awareness Club

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

How did participating in any sports, arts, clubs and/or OST programs contribute to your success during your high school years?
Participating in extracurricular activities has allowed me to take much needed breaks from academics and refresh my brain. Specifically, Hiking Club has always helped me relieve stress through spending time in nature. I have also developed as a leader in this club through the various responsibilities that come with organizing hiking trips.

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
My favorite thing about CRLS is definitely the variety of opportunities. While it seemed quite overwhelming during my freshman year, I grew to appreciate how there is no one path to a CRLS education. With our large course catalog and array of extracurricular opportunities, students can explore and experiment to discover what truly interests them. There really is a place for everyone as long as you keep an open mind.

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
People unfamiliar with CRLS should know that there is always support available to those who need it. Throughout my four years, I have never been in a situation where I felt like I couldn't reach out to a teacher or staff member if I was struggling. Educators at CRLS truly care about their students and want to help each one of them succeed, no matter the circumstance. There is so much support available at CRLS; all you have to do is ask.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen about CRLS?
Advocate for yourself. CRLS is a large high school with plenty of resources, but you can't always count on them finding you. Sometimes all you have to do is talk to a teacher or send an email to find what you are looking for. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many incredible staff members who are more than willing to help you get the most out of your CRLS experience. Specifically, your counselor is a great resource to help you navigate through your 4 years. I would certainly not be where I am today without mine.

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