Original Group B!!!!
Guys, I can’t thank the universe enough for having such an amazing sweet and intelligent group to start the summer. You guys were funny, loving, full of charisma, hardworking, and flexible.
Brooke, my little trap queen. I secretly loved hearing your singing voice on the chorus of our trap playlist. We all hope that your Dominican birthday is one that you won’t forget. Chloe, you’ve got my vote. It’s so impressive to see a young woman like you be so well versed in so many topics, we couldn’t have had great lectures, I mean discussions, without you! Benjamin! You got the movessss, you got the movessss (Big Sean voice). Thanks for teaching Merengue on the night that I was out for the count, your tunes saved each bus ride, and that speaker was clutch! Sophie, pulling out weeds with you at the clinic was truly an honor. You are a gem and I want you to know that the world is your oyster dude, ain’t no thang but a chicken wang. Now when are we playing ball? Jennifer, you were quiet for like a day and then the leader in you naturally came out. Your ability to make every and anyone smile is one that you should own and be proud of. Brian, look up Corey Gunz freestyles on YouTube. I still can’t believe you can spit Eminem rhymes like you do, who would of thunk!
Mo’ Money! Being in your mentor groups on occasion gave me a chance to see into the future, you are an awesome example to your brothers and the opportunities that you design for yourself will carry on to them. Frank proved that race is a social construct, Lebanon strong! MaQuillan, you brought me peace for two weeks! There is just something about you that lets me know that everything will work out fine. Btw, you are beautiful! Aria, I wonder how much pizza you ate upon your arrival. We watched the glow in you increase as the days went on, thank you for letting us in. Olivia, room check with you were the best, if you haven’t already, join a dance team girl! Reese, holding back the puke like a champ! You are strong beyond your years, a true southern belle.
Lyndsey, you were the happiest, most chill, sick, person I ever met. That positive attitude that you hold will take you far! Ella that sun poising of yours was one for the books, actually I can officially say that it was the worst sun burn of both programs all summer, BOSS! Emily, I have a very strong memory of you being a runner at the clinic in Arroyo, as I watched you interact with people in community and attend to children confidently, it warmed my heart. Nicole B gurrrllll, we shared a moment!!!!! Thanks for allowing me into your heart and thanks letting me share my story, it had been a while since I had gone into the archives of my soul and I’m grateful that we got to connect the way we did.
Drew my darling, how beautiful it has been to watch you do your thing, during working days you were ON it and your contributions during mentor groups brought everyone full circle. Cassidy, you taught me a valuable lesson, how to activate data plans for the entire summer, I’m the queen now thanks to you, and your mom! Nicole M, our first Canadian this summer, why are all of you so cool? You could have warned us ya know, thanks for being a positive force in your group. Elif, although you ate all of my Sun Chips on your sick day, I still love you!
Mae, strongest SPF of any student this summer! Thanks for sharing with staff and for always being down to do anything at work sites.
Phoebe, I remember you being nervous about not making any friends because you were the youngest, funny how that works huh? Not only did you friend EVERYONE, you were often the life of the party, keep shining kid! Miranda, my allergy and eczema sister! It’s a food thing gurl, America is poison!!!!! Stay sweet and genuine. Sylvia, such poise, you are the definition of a team player and were the glue in your group. Your leadership skills grew through the program and we totally recognized that. Liz, your smile became a sign of things going according to plan when we, as staff, doubted ourselves. You always assured us that you guys were being stimulated and having fun, thanks for the inside scoop.
Now that the summer is over, I can say that you guys had the best conversation with Michelle at the Haitian Dominican Center. It was a heavy day but I know that you all left impacted by that discussion in one way or another. Always remember to be kind, you never know what someone is pushing through. We love you and can’t wait to see what you guys do in the world. We’re an Instagram message away, we encourage you to reach out when you feel like or are in need a talking to a semi-adult.
Love forever because you are my first group,
Your Director,
-Emily Mercedes Castro
