My name is Kaylynn Brown and I’m currently a senior at HOPE: Christian High School. I am all set to graduate this Friday, May 24th. That just so happens to be my 18th birthday.
I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From the beginning of my second grade year, I’ve always attended private, inner-city schools. I come from a HUGE family. My parents together have seven kids. I’m the third oldest, but I’m the oldest girl.
I come from a family where support and love actually matters. I can very easily say that I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for my siblings and parents. We are all very different but encouraged to accomplish the same things. For example, getting good grades in school, trying out for sports teams, working jobs, volunteering, etc. I’m not sure why my parents decided to enroll us into a private school, but I can honestly say that their decision may have been one of the best they’ve ever made. I love my school and I’m sad to leave it all behind this week.
By attending a private high school, classes were much smaller, as was the teacher to student ratio. So, I was able to receive the one-on-one time that students sometimes need to help enhance their knowledge regarding a certain skill or subject.
Attending HOPE has made me friendlier, more outspoken, and more respectful. Smaller classes allow you to build bonds and friendships with the people around you. I believe that by me attending HOPE I was sheltered from seeing what high schools in Milwaukee are actually like. I hear all the time, through social media, about how rowdy some students are in other schools.
As a student At HOPE, certain actions and behaviors are not tolerated. Staff At HOPE teach us to communicate and work out our issues without resorting to negativity. I have been taught how to communicate in an effective way.
For as long as I could remember, I’ve wanted to be a pediatrician. I would always tell people, “I just want to help kids.” But as time went by, I’ve steered away from my initial plan. I’ve realized that I have a weak stomach, and I don’t have the ability to stomach some of the things you have to experience in the medical field. I’ve realized that there are MANY more ways to help children and people in general. This fall, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. I’ll be majoring in sociology and minoring in early childhood development. I plan to someday be a social worker.
I believe that every child should be able to have access to the best educational opportunities. Each and every child deserves to have equal opportunities as the next child. Schooling should not be determined by a child’s location, race, or past. For example, an African American child should not be limited to public schooling because of their race.
