Reflections: DY Prep Visual Arts Student Paints Mural
An interview with Grecia Romero
“The thing I like best about DreamYard Prep is that we help each other, no matter where you come from.”
Grecia Romero, a current 12th grader at DY Prep, provided this answer when asked what she likes best about her school. Grecia like many students at DY Prep, is originally from the Dominican Republic. When she moved to New York City with her family in 2009, Grecia entered the 10th grade at DY Prep. She was excited but understandably nervous. She didn’t speak any English and had to deal with the normal pressures of being in high school- meeting friends, getting good grades- while trying to learn a language and culture that was not her own.
“The first week of school, I went home and cried every night because I didn’t understand what was going on, “ Grecia said. “But then it became easier because I realized that I wasn’t the only one. We have a lot of students at DY Prep from different countries who are in the same situation as me. “ Grecia is right. At DY Prep, of approximately 350 students, approximately 100 are ESL students. These students not only speak another language at home, but are also learning English while trying to complete the credits necessary for graduation.
It hasn’t been easy, but Grecia is doing great. As a young woman, she truly embodies our core values of scholarship, artistry and character. She is a visual arts major and was one of the students that painted the large mural that now decorates the hallways outside the art room. She talked about art making her feel comfortable at school. “Art gave me the opportunity to express myself without language. I was good at it, and I learned so much about myself by being an art major.” Grecia is always at school, on time and ready to learn. She wants to go to Baruch College next year and is working with DY Prep’s college counselor, Ms. Deguia to compile her application. Grecia also demonstrates perseverance: “When I don’t do well on a test or an assignment, I study harder to see if I can get a better grade the next time.”
Grecia is a role model to her peers, especially those who are new to this country and are trying to learn English. In a little more than two years, Grecia is almost fluent. When asked what helped her learn English, she states, “My teachers. They made me work in groups, which forced me to speak another language without being embarrassed in front of the entire class.” Grecia also did a lot of studying on her own and continues to challenge herself. “I always want to take the hardest classes because they will make me ready for college,” she says with a smile.