SITE DEAN, SCHOLARS PROGRAM

In 2004, a family friend asked me to work with a program dedicated to assisting young students from New Jersey through the independent school process. I was enamored by the idea of working with such an organization and immediately signed up. That organization was SEEDS.

Fast forward to today, I currently serve as a Site Dean for the SEEDS Scholars Program. Prior to that role, I served as an ELA teacher during the Spring semester of the Scholars Academy Saturday sessions. I enjoyed the freedom of teaching innovative lessons and the workmanship demonstrated by an ever-talented cohort of kids.

Coming on as a Site Dean for SEEDS was an easy decision. I had always been intrigued by the challenge of preparing newly minted teenagers for arguably the most difficult decision of their young lives. Although a difficult task, being a catalyst for success has exceeded my expectations. My career has been imbued with the love and inspiration of fellow deans, motivational teachers, prominent SEEDS staff members, and of course the inspiration of our phenomenal scholars.

My favorite stories from SEEDS students often involve young boys and girls from one of New Jersey’s urban districts prospering at water polo, learning to ride horseback while studying abroad, or having the opportunity to create and design their very own initiatives while attending independent schools. SEEDS effectively introduces our students to a new lifestyle. By melding their prior abilities with their newly acquired skills, SEEDS students are often the most well-rounded individuals on their respective campuses.

To this day, I continue to be surprised by how intelligent and brilliant SEEDS scholars are. Their intellectual abilities expand far beyond “book knowledge”; SEEDS scholars often encompass essential life skills that seasoned professionals have trouble mastering. The enormous capabilities of our students never cease to amaze me.

SEEDS is an extraordinary investment. As the title suggests, students within the SEEDS organization are nurtured in a prosperous environment with the aid of loving benefactors. Over time, these students not only grow into tremendously gifted and successful citizens but also impact their communities through their shared experiences. SEEDS students positively alter the trajectory of their families, institutions, environments, and ultimately, the world. I would encourage anyone who is able to lend their time and talents to teaching these incredible students to do so.

Outside of my work with SEEDS, I am an 11th Grade English Language Arts teacher at Inwood Early College in New York City.