Sulaiman
Although I grew up in East Harlem, I spent many summers at my grandmother’s in Minnesota, where I discovered that I had a passion for nature and animals. That’s one of the reasons I chose this school. For my first Long Fall experience, I stayed here at the hostel and took care of the animals. I’ve done A.M. and P.M. Barn for my work jobs—the hard part of winter A.M. Barn is the anticipation the night before, because you have to get up in the dark, but I actually really enjoyed it. And I like Barn Chores as an afternoon activity because you get to spend more time with the cows—the cows are so sweet. Before I came here I said I wanted to be a veterinarian. Now, after just one year, I don’t know what I want to be! But I’ve grown less interested in pets and more into farm animals. I never dreamed I would have such a passion for working in a barn!
I’ve done Woods Crew for an afternoon activity, and I really enjoyed Day Care—but already the kids have forgotten me, which is sad. Now as an evening activity I’m learning American Sign Language. I like it a lot.
When I took Creative Writing in the evening, I was nervous at first because the entire class was upperclassmen, but I became comfortable pretty quickly and the class was a lot of fun. Like everybody here, the upperclassmen are really nice—not like at some other schools. I do feel especially bonded with my fellow freshmen, though. I’ve made many friends.
I take a lot of pleasure in my Digital Filmmaking class because we get to learn about different shots, using cameras, editing, sound, and all of that stuff that makes a movie but you never look into too much. I have more awareness and appreciation for movies. The class is extremely hard, but I enjoy the challenges you overcome—also just making awesome movies.
A favorite class of mine has been English with Juan Rodriguez. He’s funny, keeps the class engaged, and we have really good discussions. I really enjoyed reading The Color Purple, a book my mother loves.
Algebra—that’s a subject that in my old school I didn’t like. I learned so much more here and did so much better. In a class of five, you really get the attention you need.
Acting class is a lot different from my old drama classes—much more challenging than I thought it would be—and it’s really helping me improve.
Martin Luther King Day was a memorable experience for me. I was on the committee that planned activities, and I emceed. As a freshman, I was very nervous to stand up in front of the whole school, but I did it. I also helped run an activity about the new Spider-Man being gay/black/Latino. That was a really good discussion.
I would love to be on Admission Committee when I’m a senior. I’m looking forward to my next three years here.
