JAMIL: SCHOLARS PROGRAM ’00 | THE PINGRY SCHOOL ’04 | BROWN UNIVERSITY ’08 | GOLDEN GATE UNIVERSITY – SCHOOL OF LAW ’13
DIAMOND: YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM ’04 | THE PINGRY SCHOOL ’10 | DICKINSON COLLEGE ’14
On their educational experiences prior to SEEDS:
DM/JM: Prior to SEEDS, school was very easy for us. We excelled in class and often had strong relationships with our teachers. However, we simply did not know what we did not know or what our contemporaries in stronger school districts or private schools were learning. Not only did SEEDS provide us with an opportunity to vastly improve our educational experiences, but it also prepared us by bridging the gap between our prior curriculum and the expectations that awaited us at The Pingry School.
DM: I was in elementary school during my SEEDS experience so although I had Saturday experience, I was still able to be a kid and have free time. The biggest difference for me between my experience and that of Jamil’s was as a YSP scholar, I started to attend private school at a much earlier and impressionable age. I think going into a new school environment prior to high school gave me more time to find my footing in the new school. I also think that the SEEDS experience for me was more focused on the emotional and mental preparation rather than the academic preparation that I’ve seen the Scholars experience.
On how their family learned about SEEDS:
JM: My 7th grade English teacher learned about the program and handed me, along with two of my classmates, a folder that included the application and information about the program. I brought the folder home to share with my mother and decided to apply the same evening.
On what it was like for both of them to go through SEEDS but at different times:
DM: Jamil is 6 years older than me so watching his experience definitely prepared me for the time commitment of SEEDS. As a part of the first YSP class, the experience for me as one of just 25 elementary schoolers could not compare to Jamil’s experience but witnessing him attend The Pingry School and thrive there was the catalyst for my interest in attending The Pingry School as well.
JM: My SEEDS experience preceded Diamond’s but seeing her go through the YSP program as an elementary-aged student made me excited about how much more enriching her experience would be. It also motivated me to do well in school considering I wanted her to attend Pingry. Whether it is true or not, I like to think that I had some impact on Diamond’s acceptance to Pingry.
On why it was important for them to apply to SEEDS:
JM: As a young student I always worked to differentiate myself from my peers academically. When my English teacher suggested that I apply to SEEDS, I initially saw it as another opportunity to distinguish myself so I naturally wanted to participate. My family had more foresight and knew that SEEDS would afford me many more academic, social, and professional opportunities than my prior projected educational course.
DM: For anyone who knows our mom, Jamie McClintock, they would know that it was not a matter of importance but definitely an expectation. When our family saw how much Jamil enjoyed his SEEDS experience as well as his new school, it was apparent that SEEDS was an opportunity that I would need to be a part of as well given my grades were strong, the public-school curriculum failed at challenging me and my family wanted the very best for me.
On the most important lessons that being a part of SEEDS taught them:
JM: SEEDS taught me to keep an open mind and embrace the challenges of the unknown. Along with making conscious decisions with an eye toward the future and being intentional about your development, placing yourself in a challenging environment will enable you to maximize your potential.
DM: SEEDS taught me that many of us just need genuine support and a listening ear. In the summer of 2011, I was a Student Advisor to the Scholars at St. Andrews and between 2015 and 2016 I was a College Scholars mentor. I went into these opportunities assuming my role would be ensuring deadlines and academic expectations were met. I quickly realized that some of my students were going through family difficulties or had sudden obstacles. Creating a safe space for them to share their feelings and fears, encouraging them to not give up, and filling in gaps where I could make all the difference in their continual pursuit of learning and growth.
On why they wanted to attend independent schools:
JM: I am an adventurer at heart and have always been driven to experience something different from what I, or anyone else around me, experienced. That drive and the understanding that an independent school would provide more opportunities and possibilities for my future fueled my desire to attend an independent school. I knew it would be a challenge but that was also a source of excitement.
On what their independent school experiences were like compared to their previous school experiences?
JM: My previous school experiences were easy. Being a great student required little more than reading and recalling information. Socially all of my classmates lived in the same neighborhood, and all had similar life experiences so it was also easy to make friends. That changed dramatically once I attended Pingry. My classmates came from all over New Jersey, some even outside of the state and in class we were expected to do much more than retain facts. Pingry taught me how to think and connect with all types of people. I learned how to approach academic challenges and develop a process that worked best for me to apply acquired knowledge. I also learned that there is almost always a common thread between even the most outwardly different people. Initially, it was challenging, but once I adjusted it was truly a rewarding educational experience that prepared me for all life experiences, not just memorizing facts.
On how their lives would have been different without SEEDS:
DM: Everything that has transpired for me academically, professionally, and personally can be attributed to SEEDS. Around 2004 I was asked to speak about my Pingry experience at Emeritus Trustee, Bobbie Frankfort’s home. I don’t remember what I said but I do remember getting choked up in front of everyone and seeing a box of tissues passed around the room. Obviously, we were all moved by whatever I was saying about what SEEDS had done for me. Later, Bobbie’s husband, Lew, approached me and suggested that when I am in college (which was not for another six years) I should consider an internship at Coach Inc., where at the time, he was CEO. Six years later, I began my first summer internship at Coach Inc. in the Loss Prevention team and subsequently interned the next two summers in Leather Management and then HR. My first full-time job was suggested to me by a VP at Coach so I can absolutely say every career move that I’ve made directs back to SEEDS. I also know that I would have never been introduced to Dickinson College or likely any small liberal arts school had I not gone to Pingry by way of SEEDS. I studied abroad in England, joined a sorority, was the President of the college TV Network, and met my fiancé at Dickinson.
JM: How much time do you have? I could write a book detailing all the opportunities and relationships that I would not have had without SEEDS. Not only does SEEDS materially shift the trajectory of each individual student’s life, but it also does so for their family and the generations that follow. In my family’s case, I am not the only direct SEEDS touchpoint. My sister Diamond is a SEEDS alum, and my mother has worked at SEEDS for 15 years! It is impossible to articulate SEEDS’ impact on my family and frankly, I do not want to imagine what my life would look like without SEEDS, but I can summarize some of the relationships developed that transcend SEEDS’ programming that I would not have. Without SEEDS I would not have my phase 1 teachers that I keep in touch with and still consider mentors, SEEDS administrators that took me on high school and college tours as a young student and showed up to support my family at my father’s funeral two years ago or SEEDS board members and donors that supported me throughout high school, college, law school and beyond. Yes, some of these relationships have led to internships and connections to job opportunities, but the biggest impact has come from the genuine selfless people that have enhanced my personal and professional life beyond what you will find on my resume. This includes advice on how to distinguish myself as a young associate in a large law firm, transition to a new role, save money, where to invest, and most recently how to make time to enjoy being a father. Without SEEDS I would not have these relationships and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
What they would like students who follow in their footsteps to know about SEEDS:
JM: Know that SEEDS is a family. A vast network of people dedicated to putting you in the best position to maximize your potential. Commit yourself to the program and take advantage of every opportunity that SEEDS provides, and you may even surprise yourself with what you accomplish.
DM: The effects of SEEDS are ongoing. After graduating from the program keep in touch with your fellow peers. Network with other SEEDS alum. Give back to the program. Many people gave their time and money so that this opportunity would be free to you. The least you could do is to give back in whatever manner makes sense for you; an annual donation; sharing job and internship opportunities; offering to support a family in need during the holiday season, and mentoring recent grads. Pay it forward!