KYRA
Hi! I’m Kyra Amani and I am a freshman with Guilford ABC. I am from Andover, Massachusetts, though I was born in Kenya and moved to the U.S when I was 3 years old. Andover is a pretty average-sized tight-knit town and a lot like Guilford. It’s a great place to live, with most food and attractions being a short drive away, nicely rated schools, an active community and town spirit, and thankfully it’s near a lot of my family. I live with my mom Leah, my little sister Nala (who turns 1 on October 14th!), and my stepdad Michael. I’m interested in many random topics, but my top three are music, forensics, and psychology. I really hope in the future to pursue a career that surrounds at least one of those areas.
I chose Guilford because I wanted to experience life as a teenager almost completely independently. I felt it would be able to set me up for college so that I don’t have to struggle as much. I also found a big appeal in living with other black female teens because I thought it would be a fun experience as well as a way to figure out who I am as a black woman in America.
TAMOJAH
I’m Tamojah Tomlinson, a freshman at Guilford ABC from Bridgeport, CT. I chose Guilford because of the support they give to their scholars. While being here I’ve done things I would never have thought about doing before I arrived. School is going well, and I’ve already made many supportive connections with program staff and advisors that have helped with the transition. I’ve also found that living at the ABC house is a lot easier than I thought it would be! Everyone got close to each other faster than I expected.
ANDREA
Hi! I’m Andrea Kaluma, a junior at GHS. This summer, I did an online medical internship at Georgetown dedicated to high school students who are interested in going down the pre-med path. Initially, I was more inclined towards law and politics but after chatting with a couple of medical professionals and the exposure ABC gave me last year, I decided to give this course a try. I loved it! The program was run by a professor named Dr. Malika Danner. We each had a mentor who guided us throughout the duration of the program. These mentors were med students who took the time to help us and give us insight on what we had difficulty with. I still keep in contact with mine from time to time!
We learned about Evidence-based Medicine and how it is utilized to help medical professionals assess the best treatments for their patients. Through this, we delved into clinical research and trials, discussing the ethics and integrity of evidence-based medicine. After learning more, we got to do a mini capstone project on a type of carcinoma/cancer. I chose Breast Cancer and researched how a certain chemo drug affects middle aged women with breast cancer. This one hit especially close to home because people in my own family have suffered from the disease. It taught me the importance of how putting people on the right medication/therapy by doing the proper research can make a difference in the patients’ lives.
JASMINE
Hello, I’m Jasmine Laryea and I’m currently a junior at GHS. This summer I attended a two-week program at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. There I was able to study and learn more about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology. It was so interesting to explore the ethics and advancements in AI. I learned many new things and was able to show my understanding through presentations and debates. I also went on many fun and educational trips to Harvard, MIT, Six Flags, and White-Water Rafting.
This year my extracurriculars include Dance Club, Pep Rally Committee, Anime Club, Theater, and Interact. These clubs paired with my rigorous International Baccalaureate and honors courses will make for an exciting school year!
KILEE
This summer I was given the humbling opportunity to take part in an intensive summer program across the world in Accra, Ghana. From drinking out of glass Coca-Cola bottles at the Erata Hotel to recess with the six-, seven-, and eight-year-olds, my experience was incomparable. I, as a high school senior confronting college applications and SATs, was given the chance to feel like a kid again when being introduced to their games such as Lion, Colors, Cinderella, Cinderella, and so much more.
My second week there, after meeting the kids, walking the grounds of Young Leaders school, and catching sight of an area I could lend a helping hand, I emailed my principal, Ms. Julia Chaffe, and asked if she knew of any grant opportunities that would allow the class of 2023 and I to purchase school supplies for the students at Young Leaders. She enthusiastically replied, and a plan has already been set for us to begin the works on bringing this to fruition. By the end of the trip, the idea of meaningful service truly affixed itself within, and I aspire to encourage those around me to always be willing to do charitable work.
JANELLE
Hi, my name is Janelle Wilkinson and I am a senior. Over the summer I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad for two weeks in London for theater and behind the scenes. We saw many plays such as Julius Caesar at the Globe, Who Killed my Father?, Favour, and The White Card. We also took improv classes and got to perform our own short play at the end of the program.
I plan to spend this year being a lab assistant during my study halls and putting in more time outside of school studying. In addition, I will be doing props in theater and will be a frequent member of Interact and Anime Club.