MEET Marjorie!

Marjorie is a 15-year-old sophomore at the Foreign Language Academy of Global Studies, in The Bronx. She was nominated by her teacher, Daryl Martin, and her Summer Search mentors are Megan McKinstry and Emily FitzGerald.

Why did you apply for Summer Search?
Mr. Martin stopped me in the hall and said, “Hey, I nominated you for this program.” I looked it up and read about it. I thought it sounded cool how Summer Search sends kids into the wilderness and out into the world and when they come back they see life here differently because of what they’ve experienced. I thought I wanted something new too, and I should go for it.

Where will you be going this summer?
I hope I will be going canoeing in Minnesota this summer. I’ve never done that kind of thing before and that’s why I chose it. I’ve only gone on a boat once before, and it was to go see the Stature of Liberty. I’ve never gone rock-climbing before, and I just think it will be awesome.

Have you learned anything about yourself from being in Summer Search?
Before Summer Search, I was really shy. If I had to call for something, I would just ask my Mom to do it. Now, from Summer Search, I’m making my own phone calls, and I’m really getting involved in my community. Like I just took part in an event to stand up against bullying in our school, and I’ve been gathering signatures for a petition. It feels good – I’m getting help now, and I’m giving help back. My friends tell me that I’m happier and more open too.

According to her referral source, Daryl Martin, Marjorie stood out as a nominee because, “She’s very caring and she has leadership qualities, and I thought Summer Search could help her expand on those. I think the biggest benefit for her is going to be the mentoring: Summer Search is going to allow her to really reflect on her life. I don’t think she has really done that and I think she will be able to really grow from having those conversations.”

Her mentors, Megan and Emily, are crossing their fingers that she’s accepted to Outward Bound in Minnesota this summer: “We’re most excited about the group processing element for her. She would be one of the older members of the group, which would give her an amazing opportunity to develop her leadership skills and care for others. She’s been putting a lot of effort into preparing for her trip – running with us every Monday and really using the calls.”