As a volunteer for the program, Isis was exposed to a great deal during her spring break. She met with many undocumented immigrants who were stuck in regions between the border and the border check points, an area usually surrounded by sewage dumps from nearby American cities. With ARISE, she also walked the border path along the Rio Grande River and visit communities there, “I was able to spend time taking part in the activities that ARISE offers to the communities at no cost, like learning alternative medicine recipes, learning how to properly distress to reduce health problems, since there is only one hospital in the entire region and it is privately owned. ARISE also offers English and Citizenship classes for parents and provides programs for kids and young adults to keep them off of the streets and actively engaged in serving their communities.” Her favorite part of the trip was working with the government to help refugees get settled after they were released from
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"I took away that I have a duty to be a part of this movement that works to better the system that is failing undocumented immigrants in this country, as well as refugees trying to flee from harm. Whether that’s calling the senators in this state or volunteering or working with agencies that help immigrants, there is always something that can be done to help.” |
Joining a NCAA Division 1 team comes with many expectations. Cynthia’s team practices from 4:15 to 6:30 PM on Lake Morraine everyday except Sunday. In addition, team members are expected to work out in the gym twice on their own, which Cynthia usually does on Tuesdays and Thursdays after practice. Outside of the team commitments, it means forgoing some of the experiences most college students have hanging around with dorm mates. However, Cynthia knows that her experience is one that many in college don’t get, “One of my favorite things about crew is being able to be on the water, and being able to leave all the stress from school and life behind. The lake that we practice on (Lake Morraine) is beautiful, and it makes practices 100x better. I also love how rewarding crew is; I started out being a walk-on like many of my teammates, not knowing anything about the sport, and now I look at the calluses on my hands and my erg times and splits reduced by half, and I realize that all my hard work pays off.”
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"I started out being a walk-on like many of my teammates, not knowing anything about the sport, and now I look at the calluses on my hands and my erg times and splits reduced by half, and I realize that all my hard work pays off.” |
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The hard work has definitely paid off for Cynthia as an individual and for her team overall. Cynthia joined the team as a walk on, but now is a regular contributing member to the team, usually rowing port. Her team recently rowed in the Head of the Fish Regatta, which features big schools from all over the East Coast, “At the Head of the Fish regatta, our Novice 4+ ended up in 4th place, both of our Collegiate Quads ended up in 2nd and 3rd place, our Collegiate 4+ ended up in 3rd place, our Collegiate 1V 8+ ended up in 4th place, and our Novice 1V 8+ ended up in 7th place. Overall, the meet was really rewarding because all our boats did really well, and all the training we did for the race showed on the water. “
Even with her recent achievements, Cynthia manages to stay humble, “I didn't realize I was KSJC's first NCAA athlete until it recently got mentioned to me, but it is definitely really exciting! KIPP taught me discipline and hard work, and I'm grateful for it because it's really helping me out now. We have so many smart, talented athletes at our school, and I just very feel proud and blessed to be able to represent that at Colgate.” We wish Cynthia and her team continued success, and we can’t wait to see how next season goes! |
“I hope they learn to never settle and drive to do what they feel happy doing. Talking to my kids outside a school setting reminds me of what I was like growing up, limiting myself on what I think I could do because I thought no one really expected much from me.” - Gerardo Bejinez
Working with students is a large responsibility, which Gerardo recognizes. However, he feels well prepared to take on such a challenge, “Going to KSJC has prepared me with the communication skills necessary to do the job that I do. I am able to keep up with e-mails and sticky notes that concern me, speak up about anything that I see would conflict with what I am doing or plan on doing with my students. Being at KSJC, I was able to develop a strong sense of leadership and I really feel like I can use it in both my tutoring group and just being another adult presence on the school campus.”
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"What I appreciate most in working with Gerardo is his unique ability to build strong relationships with the community. Both students and families have been supported and empowered by the communication and work Gerardo does. Since Gerardo has started at Rocketship he has gone above and beyond by engaging our students in geography and international learning, volunteering his time to provide additional support to Spanish speaking students and families, and implementing systems that bring joy and celebrate student achievement on our campus.“ - Assistant Principal Sheena Shirokhan