What Does Support Look Like?
“While some may be so blinded by all the “negatives” of the Bronx, the Bronx is what shaped me. I learned firsthand what it means to work hard. Where the strength of my character is honored. The Bronx culture is unique. Comp Sci High is a big part of that.”
I grew up in the Bronx, and I didn’t really have much, but at the same time I had a lot. A community that asks how you are, comes together to spread joy. A community that spreads art on the sides of the buildings, trucks, and more. A community that has a deli they go into and has at least one cashier they are cool with. A community that has schools compete against each other with thrill and excitement. Carnivals that raise the spirits in the area. Small businesses that empower bigger ideas, and inspire others all start here.
Support comes in all forms. I acknowledge I grew up with a lack of resources in the Bronx, funding being a main issue that already prohibits my creative freedom. Dance. Volleyball. Track. Performing is where I feel the most powerful whether that be on the court or on stage. Playing with other girls in my community whom I've developed a sisterhood with. Having a space provided where I can showcase my identity through choreography, team leadership which further defined my skills. While some may be so blinded by all the “negatives” of the Bronx, the Bronx is what shaped me. I learned firsthand what it means to work hard. Where the strength of my character is honored. The Bronx culture is unique. Comp Sci High is a big part of that.
Not many schools invest in kids' futures at the degree in which I’ve experienced. Sharing a building with three other schools may feel cramped, but Comp Sci High has managed to make it work. This school supports us students by providing paid internships, giving students the opportunity to step foot in the work field while making their own money. They provide us with resources that help set students up for better, not for worse. Clubs like volleyball club, softball club, gaming club, and much more that actually get started from student voice and advocating. Office hours where teachers help students get something they might have missed in class or simply not understand. Abroad trips like London, Puerto Rico, and many more to come that occur with these internships that give students an insight of other areas. Last but not least, teachers are there for you when you are in trouble and need guidance. I may be from the Bronx, but there is a community where I’m from and it starts here.
I have asked some students what support looks like for them outside of Comp Sci High, and they gave me a response proving that it’s not really there. Speaking to Ryan Fuentes, from the Class of 2023, he expressed that, “I feel like outside CSH, I’m lucky enough to have a lot of support from my family and friends, my family always supports my decisions and my friends always bring me up and keep it real with me and tell me if they like or don’t like what I’m doing, but Professors in college honestly only care if you care, so if your not the one making and effort then they honestly don’t care. Professors aren’t there for me how Comp Sci High was. Teachers could see I wasn’t myself and would help push me. Professors honestly don’t care as long as they get their work done.”
This is one out of many students that feel like this, but luckily with the community we have set up here at Comp Sci High a lot of our students shouldn’t be worried. There are many adults here that have established relationships with a lot of these alumni that allow them to feel comfortable to come back and ask for help when needed. This community is always a safe place to acknowledge what a person needs at the time.
George Barillas, also from the same class, stated, “For me support outside of Comp Sci High is different because you're an adult and there’s not going to be people there to help and support as much as what compsci does.I felt like I was on my own after I graduated. Comp Sci was my safe place, because I felt it was somewhere my opinion was heard and there would be no conflict towards my opinion.”
Hearing what these students had to say, it is clear to say that it is hard to find support from adults outside of these walls. Luckily that is why CompSci doesn’t leave you even after you graduate. Ms Pitari is a counselor who keeps in touch with alumni. She provides help such as supporting students who might not like their post-secondary school so they can get help transferring, or people who may need help with their financials or who have lost their scholarship maybe because they are failing a few classes. She also helps with applications for students who may have taken a gap year. Help and guidance don’t leave when students have graduated from here; she is also here to help navigate the area after college. Some people need help finding jobs, first she would help get their resume to tip top shape and then the search begins.
Ms. Pitari states that “It’s easy to keep in touch with students, if only they respond back.” She is always sending out emails if help is needed. Pitari expresses that “if you have a need, Comp Sci High is here to help you with that.'' They are here with you till you are at least 25 years old and graduated from college. CSH is here to help send you in the right path to setting up your life.
There are many more opportunities that we have not shined much light upon and it's the workshops that are set up, like mindfulness and networking, where young adults are learning the meaning and impact of those roles with professionals who can take you all a long way. Hopefully many more workshops to come.
Although it may be extremely tough in the hard world, connections, help, and resources don't leave you once you leave Comp Sci High. We are not like most other highschools or communities around here. Yeah you can see the negative about why you might not like it here but I am here to highlight why you should like it here. Comp Sci High took a chance on us when they started six years ago in the South Bronx not knowing where they will end up, now it’s only right to see what they are offering (which is a lot) and take a chance on them.