As a member of the inaugural class of girls, what is it like to be a role model?
It feels good knowing that I have students looking up to me and admiring what I do. For the younger students I have strong relationships with, I get to watch them grow up and make better choices.
Middle School is different because they expect more from you. For the higher grades, we have a lot more stuff to do than the lower-school kids. We’re also the oldest girls, so you need to be more responsible.
My favorite thing is the co-curriculars. When I started at CJA, basketball was new to me. I thought I was never going to like it, but Mr. Mason, Mr. Brunt and Ms.Goldin made me feel welcome. I also do track, and I love it so much. I didn’t know I could run so fast! There’s a basketball player who also did track and basketball. She’s tall like me…Angel Reese! She plays for the Chicago Sky. I want to learn from her. I also love the social workers and the teachers because they both help me to handle tough situations.
It feels good! I feel a lot of support. We also had an undefeated season. It’s been a great opportunity for me to enjoy myself but also win games. It has also been really nice to be able to communicate with my teammates and have a relationship where we don’t just play basketball together. We’re a community.
When I’m upset about something, Ms. LaPointe taught me to control my breathing and think of something that makes me happy. When I was new to basketball, Ms. Goldin told me to keep going and just because someone speaks badly of you doesn’t mean you should doubt yourself.
I’ve known Ms. Goldin since third grade. Also, Mr. Palmer. When I was in fourth grade, he told me he was going to be teaching fifth-grade girls next year, and I said, “Oh I can’t wait to be in your classroom!” Since then, moving forward through the years, we have built a strong relationship. Sometimes we talk when I’m having a hard day. He helps me to stay calm and anchor me. Mr. Mason also makes me happy. Every time we play basketball and I mess up on something, he doesn’t get angry with me. He’ll make a joke and remind me, “Don’t give up and keep going. Don’t focus on the negative.” Sometimes when I have built up emotions, he helps me calm down and tells me I’m doing great.
My mom makes me happy. I think about my family being together and doing what I like to do with them… Also, sometimes I think about a croissant or a cinnamon roll. I don’t know why, but they make me happy.
When we all come together as one big school, that’s when I think about CJA being a community. On Field Day, it’s being able to be with other people you don’t normally talk to and getting to know each other. You never know what you and the other person have in common. You might have similarities you don’t know about!
My favorite grad-at-grad values are committed to doing justice and open to growth. I say open to growth because I think it represents me. I am always trying to try new things and experiences.
I’m thankful for my life, God, my family and friends. I’m also grateful for CJA because this community, even when I was struggling, gave me the opportunity to become better.
