The Stand
Story by Tonisha Gunn, a senior at Corcoran High School
On Thursday, March 24, 2011, students from Corcoran High School attended Syracuse University’s “A Day at SU.” Students were able to attend classes and experience life at SU for a day. The event was hosted by SyraMatics, a nonprofit group on Syracuse University’s campus, according to Michael Foulkes, president and founder of SyraMatics.
Two students who attended were Jaquann Kelley and Myennah Bowden. I spoke with them a few days before they went on the field trip.
JAQUANN KELLEY
Jaquann Kelley is a 9th-grader at Corcoran. He likes to read lots of books, and he also especially enjoys Manga. Jaquann can usually be found in the library after school. He reads a new book every day. Jaquann was asked a few questions about his expectations before going on the trip to SU.
Q: What do you expect to get out of the trip?
A: I expect to get information for my future. I want to know if SU is a place I could go and see the different sites they have. I want to learn about college.
Q: What do you expect to learn from this trip?
A: I expect to get a feel or a sense of the direction of the school, and to meet new people.
Q: Would SU be somewhere you would want to attend college?
A: Yes, I would like to attend SU, because it’s a big school and a great university. It also has a lot of programs I am interested in, and it is very close.
Q: What do you want to major in?
A: I am interested in things like physics and science and biology … so something having to do with those areas.
Q: How are you, as a 9th-grader, preparing for college?
A: I am learning the secret to keeping my grades up. I am also trying to continue working hard in my studies.
MYENNAH BOWDEN
Myennah Bowden is a 9th-grader at Corcoran. She likes to draw and is very creative. Myennah is interested in promoting peace within her community. She is enjoying her first year in high school. Myennah was asked questions about her expectations for the trip to SU.
Q: What do you expect to get out of this field trip to SU?
A: I am interested to learn more about the college, because it is a good school.
Q: What do you expect to learn from this trip?
A: I expect to meet more people and learn more about the school. I know a little bit already, but I want to know more.
Q: Would SU be somewhere you would want to attend college?
A: Yes, I have always dreamed of going there. It is close to home, a Say Yes school, and I have always wanted to go to a big university like SU. They also have a great education program and art program.
Q: What do you want to major in?
A: I want to be a teacher. I will most likely major in education. I want to help disabled/challenged kids … so I would like to focus on special education.
Q: How are you, as a 9th-grader, preparing for college?
A: I am trying my hardest to stay focused and keep earning good grades.
-– Tonisha Gunn is a senior at Corcoran High School and a South Side resident. She is a member of Kristie Yarnell’s journalism class. If you are a high school student and would like to write for The Stand, contact Ashley Kang at ashley@mysouthsidestand.com
