Damiyah Marshall

Favorite subject at CRLS
English

Why is it your favorite subject?
The English Department at CRLS is truly incredible. Every course I've taken has shifted my perspective on the world. I specifically loved taking AP Lang with Ms. Puff! The class  discussions were super engaging, and I had so much fun analyzing how rhetoric is used in pop culture. The class felt extremely relevant and I'd recommend it to everyone.

Favorite CRLS Staff Person
Ms. D, Mr. Montgomery, and Mr. Porreca.

What makes that staff person so special?
Ms. D - Since my freshmen year in MDC, Ms. D has fostered the community I dreamed of in high school. Ms. D has a gift for encouraging creativity. Ms. D is one of the compassionate people in the world, and I am so grateful for the amount of support she offered me. 

Mr. Montgomery - Mr. Montgomery was my first teacher in high school. As my Falcon block mentor and freshmen year history teacher, he's truly seen me at my worst (and best!). In all seriousness, Mr. Montgomery is one of the teachers that I can confidently say inspired me to pursue education. Our discussions in falcon block about current events and his experiences in life taught me that you truly are never off the job as an educator. I appreciate his vast amount of knowledge and I will miss flipping through his picture books from his youth. 

Mr. Porreca - I was super stoked to hear that my once freshmen year English teacher would be taking on the role as my new guidance counselor. Mr. Porreca is one of the best mentors  I could have ever asked for. Thank you for all of the insight during the college application process and never failing to make me laugh!

Extracurricular activities, clubs, school-related activities
CRLS Modern Dance Company, Spanish Club, Kpop Club, Cultural Visibility Team, Students of Color Coalition

What were some of the out-of-school time (O.S.T) programs that you participated in anytime between grades 6-12?
The Work Force, Harvard Museums of Science & Culture, Baby University

How did being enrolled in any O.S.T. program(s) contribute to your success both in and out of high school? 
Being involved in extracurriculars truly made my high school experience. CRLS has a place for everyone, and I learned that my freshmen year. I remember being so nervous to audition for MDC, as I felt unsure about my dancing capabilities. In the first minutes of my audition, I immediately felt the strong sense of community in MDC. I sound crazy when I try to explain just how much MDC means to be but truly I have never been in a space with so much love and support, which is something I hope to find in college. It taught me that I thrive in a community that valued growth and collaboration. If I never put myself out there and taken a risk, I would have never ended up finding a passion within the school building. Another extracurricular I'd like to mention is the Cultural Visibility Team! We created a district-wide Multicultural Night, providing a space for students and organizations to share their stories and honor traditions. Both of these experiences taught me the power of inclusion and gave me the space to truly become who I am now. 

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
What I liked most about CRLS is that there is never a dull-moment! There is something happening everyday both in and outside of school. There are so many opportunities out there that I wouldn't have known existed if not for CRLS.

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
There is so much school spirit! The students show up for any sporting event, assembly, musical, or MDC show. The student body loves celebrating talent and achievement!

What advice would you give incoming freshmen about CRLS?
Enjoy every second and build connections! I don't know how I would've made it through high school without the support from my friends, family,  and teachers.

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