| Elementary School: |
Graham and Parks
|
| College: |
Barnard College of Columbia University
|
| Major: |
Undecided
|
| Career Aspiration: |
When I was five I wanted to be a gymnast who played the piano upside down and I still kinda want to do that. I also want to do something relating to crushing the patriarchy/ working against the evils of capitalism.
|
Extra Curricula
A’capella, Club 1, Boston Children’s Chorus, NEC prep student
Favorite Class at CRLS
Arabic. This course taught me to be an informed global citizen.
Favorite Teacher
Mr. Dagher: He doesn’t just teach Arabic, he teaches about life. Yes, thanks to Mr. Dagher I now have a grasp of the Arabic language and an understanding of the history of the Arab world. But he also isn’t afraid to step away from his lesson plan in order to make his students more cosmopolitan--and less U.S.-centric--citizens of the world. I now know how to discuss international politics, analyze stocks, and read the geopolitical implications of news reporting. I have also learned to appreciate classical Arabic music. Mr. Dagher also gave us many opportunities to become the teachers and educate our peers about topics relating to the Arabic language and the Arab world in a fun segment called “Share Your Findings.”
Ms. Otty: Ms. Otty is a remarkable teacher because she does not just present history as a collection of objective facts; instead, she makes it clear that history is an “argument about the past.” In my modern world history class, Ms. Otty fostered effective debates which left the whole class enraptured. She was not afraid to have us confront controversial topics, from the Arab-Israeli conflict to the pros and cons of the Soviet government. This made students feel both engaged and respected.
What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
I love how supportive the students are at CRLS. In any given CRLS class, you can see students genuinely invested in helping their peers. At Rindge, every student is both a teacher and student, and there is very little of the social hierarchy that is so visible in teen movies.
What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
People who are unfamiliar with CRLS should know that in CRLS, education is not just about classes--my image of the high school includes fantastic extracurriculars before and after school. Finding a club that challenges you while making you feel at home is very important.
Advice to Incoming Freshmen
It’s all too easy to get forced into a “track” at CRLS--the achievement gap is a major problem that begins well before any of us get to high school. If authority figures aren’t suggesting courses that are challenging to you, challenge them! Don’t just take classes that you think you are supposed to take; instead, take classes that interest you. Find a teacher who can act as your advocate to make sure you get all that you deserve. Finally, always ask for help when you need it. It is a disservice if the system lets you “slip through the cracks” and pass a course without understanding the material presented to you.
<< Previous | Return to Main | Next >>