Katie, a new Guilford ABC freshman, has quickly settled into the house with sophomores Irene and Jazhira, and juniors Kyra and Tamojah. Katie loves to sing, with “Shine on Me” one of her favorites. While English is her first language, her Ecuadoran family speaks Spanish at home. She’s excited to work on Spanish writing skills. Katie got involved with the Model U.N. club and will be taking up tennis or track soon. She learned of the ABC program from her principal at Bridgeport school and has already found lively friends at Guilford High School.
Irene is loving chemistry because “…we figure out the chemicals in a mix and only communicate with other classmates through the computer in this investigative approach.” An alto, Irene is in the choir class and likes songs like “Lunar Lullaby.” “It’s fun to learn the songs and how the voices fit together,” she said. She’ll be running indoor track this winter and “looking forward to the excitement of it.”
Jazhira is finding herself “more adjusted” to high school challenges as a sophomore. She’s very excited about her chemistry course – “I like sciences,” she said with a big smile. She’s also interested in civics, “especially after watching the debates.” Due to a hurt foot, there’s no more playing soccer this year, but she’s attending all the games “…to support my team!”
Tamojah’s favorite junior year courses are part of the International Baccalaureate program. She’s immersed in IB psychology and IB Italian – “a fun class that moves fast, and we study the Italian culture as well as converse, using new words every day!” she said. As with all the GABC scholars, she volunteers to help at the Hole in the Wall consignment/thrift store that benefits GABC. She’s often found at the register checking out purchases. (Quality clothing, housewares, jewelry, shoes, books and more are found at the store just off the Guilford Green on Boston Street.)
Junior Kyra is taking three high-level classes: IB literature, IB math, and Advanced Placement physics. She loves how the literature class “encourages creative thinking and considering different perspectives. We explore cultural identity and what society was like at the time. It gives me a broader understanding,” she said. Kyra is performing with “Voices” and is very excited about it. “I feel more fulfilled with the more complicated songs and how parts work together.” t
