Life of a Fellow: Jennyfer
Jennyfer is a graduate from Temple University where she studied Speech Language Pathology. Desiring to help provide marginalized students the tools needed to succeed in a world becoming more globalized by the day, she joined 12 Plus this year as a Fellow at Kensington High School. Already, she has accomplished so much in addressing this need, and we’re inspired by all that she’s done and will continue do!
A Whole Handful of Things To Cheer About
About six months ago, I started working as a Fellow at Kensington High School. Everyday I went to work and I got to know these students more and more. 12+ and the PLUS Center not only provides a space for academic advising and support, but it provides a space where students can unwind and feel safe. I have learned so much about these students and their lives outside of school; what makes them happy and what frustrates them. From having to distinguish the difference between hearing a firecracker and a gunshot or having to walk to school everyday stepping over used needles in their Kensington neighborhood. These students have overcome an array of obstacles, that when I was that age, never experienced. For them, growing up and living in this urban education setting is their everyday norm. A norm that has been catalyzed into their idea of what a life and education is. However, the students I have encountered are not defined by barriers. As a fellow for the 12+ program, I have seen the work of other fellows, students, and community who are instilling a new culture together. A culture where seniors fill out their FAFSAs, and they get accepted into four year universities, and they have a plan after high school. Most importantly, they have people who have been there for them since the first day of school. I will forever be grateful for Kensington High School, 12+, and our PLUS Center. Here is what I hope some students have learned so far and what they’ve helped me learn as well:
“The students I have encountered are not defined by barriers. As a fellow for the 12+ program, I have seen the work of other fellows, students, and community who are instilling a new culture together. ”
Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.
Eventually you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be, with who you’re meant to be with, and doing what you should be doing.
The person you’re becoming will cost you people, relationships, and things. Choose yourself over everything.
Everyday you are growing more and more into the person you are meant to be. So if right now you feel uncertain about yourself, don’t worry because you are only just beginning to meet yourself.
Be kind.
Also be patient. No matter what.
A great future does not require a great past.
Don’t trouble yourself with stuff that you cannot change.
Remember that your life belongs to others as well. Do not endanger it. And never endanger the life of another.
In a few years time the things that are making you feel like this will be forgotten.
Connect with others.
Relax, you will graduate.
There is a whole world out there, with new people to meet. It’s okay to meet new people and say goodbye to old friends.
No matter how many mistakes you may make or how slow you progress, you are still super ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.
Most importantly, just keep trying.
This was the very first year that 12+ really established themselves at Kensington High School. It was tough at first being the “new kids.” We sat in our empty PLUS Center for the first few weeks of school. The students didn’t really approach us. Now half way through the school year and our room is always filled! Everyday I am surrounded by future Engineers, EMTs, Psychologists, Mechanics, Marines, Nurses, and the list goes on. Without a doubt this cohort of seniors are individuals who have great lives ahead of them. I especially got the chance to get to know the Latino community that lives here at this school. I found that these students gravitate more to the Spanish speaking staff so I was able to build amazing relationships off that. Nothing makes me more excited than to help the students at Kensington High School. As time passes by I hope that the 2020 seniors, and all other future classes, take heed of everything we have given them. To never let their pasts decide their futures and to remember that you are still young and there is still plenty of time to figure things out, become you want to be and create a comfortable life for yourself.
