Safe Spaces, Bold Dreams

Thanks to Violet Abedon Pollock ’23, Matteo Vinoben ’24, Alejandro Quintero Cashore ’22, Felix Rodriguez ’23, Benedetta Ramos ’21, Nia Johnson ’21 and Gryer Alston (above from left, with Sra. Carrillo and Ms. Arias Henry) for returning to Gordon on Thursday.

The seven of them participated in an alumni of color panel run by Gordon’s Parents of Students of Color group, addressing the theme “Safe Spaces, Bold Dreams: How Support Systems Lead to Success.”

Questions included: 

What helped you feel safe and thrive in school?

How did those support systems impact your confidence, leadership, or academic success?

When you transitioned to high school, how did you find or build similar spaces of support?

What advice would you give to students who may be entering environments where they don’t immediately see spaces for them?

How can students and families prepare to maintain strong support networks beyond school?

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to parents and soon-to-be alumni about finding community and thriving after high school?

Looking back, how did Gordon help you develop confidence in yourself and your abilities?

For a look at how one of these students brought Gordon lessons to his high school, see this interview from February.