Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Student Highlight at New Beginnings

“I wish New Beginnings was a four year high school. I would love to stay for four years. I say this because I absolutely love my time here and wish I never had to leave. We need more schools like New Beginnings.” - Quote from a student at New Beginnings High School.

Today, I have dreams of one day finishing what my famous uncle started – becoming a famous basketball player.

This student was born and raised on Staten Island and had many difficult challenges in his life. “I have learned a lot at New Beginnings. I feel that I am on the right track. I came to New Beginnings with three credits. Today, I am a proud member of the honor roll and have earned a total of nine credits. If I continue to do well here, I can go back to Curtis High School and follow my dreams of graduating and playing basketball.”

“When I was asked about the changes that I made and why I was no longer getting into trouble, my response was that I finally have a new perspective on life. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know what I have to do to get where I want to be and I remember where I have been and how it held me back. A lot of this was made clearer to me because of New Beginnings. I am not sure where I would be today if I never attended New Beginnings High School.”

“I thank the teachers and staff here because they have helped me to become a better person. I can speak with them and they listen to me. I know that when I have a problem I can turn to them for help and they will guide me in the right direction. I thank the New York Center and New Beginnings High School for giving me a second chance and an actual new beginning.”

This is an example of what the staff here instills in the students – the promise of a fresh start leading to a path of hope and accomplishment. It is through our hard work, dedication and building strong relationships that we empower our students to become empowered.

Thank you,
Diana Perez-Miller
Social Worker
New Beginnings High School
Tel: 718-947-4136
Email: Dpmiller@nycid.org

1 comment:

~Michael~ said...

Diana,

Thanks for posting this article. I think that we should all be making an effort to collect this type of data from our students.

I bet it didn't take too much to get them talking!

Bravo.
~M~