As a new freshman in college, the most asked question I get (apart from people wondering what my major is), is what school I’ve come from. Most people wouldn’t hesitate when asked that question, but for some reason, I find myself hesitating every time. And it’s because of the reactions I get from people when they learn that I’m from the Rochester City School District (RCSD).
I know it seems weird – and kind of stupid if we’re all being honest – that this little-known fact can define a person, yet I find that to be the case wherever I go. So here are a few things that I hear when I tell them that I used to go to James Monroe High School:
1. Oh…
This is usually followed by an awkward stare and laugh. Am I a completely different person than you met a few seconds ago just because I come from a city school? You know, we’re not a rare species. I get that some of us don’t make it to college, but don’t treat me differently because I’m one of the ones that was blessed enough to make it. I’m just like every other college student. I know, it seems like such a weird thing for me to think, huh (note the sarcasm).
2. Well, that doesn't really count... does it?
I usually hear this when I tell someone that I was valedictorian. Yes, it does count. Just because I come from a district that is struggling and may not be taught like others, I still count. I worked hard like everybody else, I earned my position like everyone else, don’t try to drag me down because of the district I was taught in.
3. I would never want to be/teach there.
Why? Because it’s a struggling district, that doesn’t mean you just give up on it. Most RCSD alumni will tell you that they are proud to come from the district and would be willing to come back. Even those of us who are not becoming teachers advocate for the district as much as we can. The district actually needs more teachers and more help… so why abandon it?
4. How did you get out alive?
It’s not like we’re all killing each other or fighting constantly. Yes, we’re notorious for being on the news because something happens almost every day, I get it. But have you ever stopped to wonder why these things happen, instead of just asking how we survived and then laughing about it? Volunteering as a peer mentor my first semester of senior year made me realize that everything happened for a reason and if we just stopped kids and talked to them, that small change can make the difference.
5. Oh, I'm so sorry.
Please don’t be. Although it was tough getting through school, I still take pride in where I came from. It’s true that we don’t get as many opportunities as most, and it’s true that we have to struggle just to get where most college students are, but I take pride in it. I know I fought to get where I am now, and looking back, it was oh, so worth it.
If you’re in the Rochester City School District (or are an alumni) hold your head up high. Yeah, we may be a struggling district, and we may be known for some not so good things, but we’ve made it so far. It doesn’t help to just look at the negatives, look at where the district is going now, and look at what we can do to help.
Graduation rates are slowly climbing, more support is being given, and the news is no longer just focusing on the bad things that happen, but there is more coverage on what is improving (I’ve seen multiple photos circulating of seniors that have been accepted into colleges such as St. John Fisher College and SUNY Oswego just to name a couple). Don't count us out and don't make us feel like we don't belong because of where we came from.
