YES
Student Reflections
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Derrell Kirk
YES Southeast, 11th Grade student
YES has given me hope for my future! The teachers at YES have prepared me to take on any challenge that comes my way. I want to attend Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine to become a cardiologist. I know it will be tough, but I have learned great study habits and know that I will succeed.
I always thought I wanted to attend Rice University, but I didn’t really know what else was out there. Each year at YES, my classmates and I have traveled to different parts of the country to visit college campuses. The trips made it possible to see what other colleges had to offer, and these trips confirmed for me that Rice was the college I wanted to attend.
During these trips, I also had a chance to bond with my classmates and teachers. Our classes are small and I know I can always count on them for support! I know that after I graduate I can still come to my teachers for help and will always share a close friendship with my classmates.
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Leonel Marquez
YES North Central, 9th Grade student
YES gives me the opportunity to experience new technology, such as the Mac computers in our I-Blazer studio. I look forward to my I-Blazer studio class every day where I learn about videos, film, how to operate cameras, and the importance of lighting. I love to watch movies, and watch how directors cut scenes and piece them back together.
Last year, I worked on video editing and created my own video and made my own music. This year, we will direct and produce a monthly YES television show that will be filled with school-related information, like activities, sports and teachers. I will be one of the show’s head anchors.
My I-Blazer class has given me opportunities I wouldn’t get in a regular school. We learn with hands-on projects, such as instructional videos for companies, and go on field trips. Because of this class, I am interested in majoring in film when I go to college.
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Alejandra Valtierra
YES Southwest, 6th Grade student
At YES, our teachers and directors encourage us to give back to the community through community service projects. This is one thing we do regularly during our Saturday School. My favorite community service project is visiting a neighborhood nursing home. During one visit, I met an elderly lady there, and we watched TV together, played games, went for walks, and I even interviewed her on her life experiences. Meeting her reminded me that some people do not have everything I have, and it made me happy to make her feel special.
YES’ Saturday School is not just for learning, but for giving students the opportunity to have fun and bond with other students so the school can have a family-like environment. It is different at other schools, but here at YES we all trust each other and help each other—like a family does. I needed help in my math class, so I asked my best friend to tutor me. Because my friend made time to help me, my grade went from a 75 all the way up to a 93. I knew this was the best school for me because the students here share my goal of working hard, putting in the extra study hours and one day attending college.
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Cynthia Ortega
YES Southeast, 12th grade student
YES is very different from other schools. At YES, each student builds a strong foundation for the future. At my old school, I would never have made college a priority, but now I hope to attend Brown University and pursue a business or psychology degree.
YES has not only helped me establish a solid academic foundation but it has also helped me build close relationships with my peers. Each year, we take a class trip to visit college. In 7th grade, however, we took a trip to New Mexico and had to work together and camp outdoors. During this trip the entire class really bonded, and I know that I could have only experienced this at YES.
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Nelson Mendoza
YES Southeast, 10th grade student
YES has provided me with the skills to accomplish anything I set my mind to, which has given me the freedom to pursue my own interests. Everyday, the teachers at YES encourage me to think independently and work hard towards my goals.
YES also gives me opportunities that I would have never known about or considered possible. I went to Model U.N. Sessions in New York and attended Nobel Peace Laureates’ Sessions.
YES has opened my eyes to a variety of new possibilities for school and for my future.
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Marissa Nobles
YES North Central, 8th grade student
When you first come to YES, the curriculum really challenges you to work hard. Over time, you adjust to the longer school days and extra time spent on studying. I know YES values quality education, and I know the skills I am developing at YES will help me succeed at anything I try in the future.
The way YES’ classes are set up allows for more time for a hands on learning experience that regular schools do not have. For example, our math and science classes are combined, which allows us to better understand how math and science interact in the real world. If we are working on a science project, we have the opportunity to learn more about how math relates to the project and vice versa. It is very interesting to me to see how the two disciplines work together.
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Seun Ogedengbe
YES Southwest, 8th grade student
Once I began attending YES, I started to take an interest in my classes and school lessons. Even though the curriculum is challenging, the teachers present the material in a way that is easier for students to retain and understand.
The teachers at YES are really different and very helpful. I can call my teachers on their cell phones whenever I need help with anything. I believe it is because my teachers play an active role in my life that I developed a
interest in school.
The best thing about YES is that unlike most schools, everyone is required to succeed. It is part of the curriculum. Knowing I have to succeed keeps me from slacking off and helps me focus on my goals.
Gael Romo
YES East End, 6th grade student
Unlike most schools, YES has mandatory Saturday school. Instead of being in the classroom, this time is usually dedicated to working on community service. We get to work on a variety of projects, and we have done everything from cleaning up neighborhoods and parks to serving food at shelters.
I really enjoy the Saturday classes because you gain experience outside of the classroom environment. As a project group, you have to work together. You build close relationships with your fellow classmates because you spend so much more time with them. Being at YES prepares students to be hard-working, not only academically, but also as a successful member of society.
Kamryn Shepherd
YES East End, 6th grade student
From my very first day here at YES, I knew this school was different from other schools. Here, everything is much more organized and structured, so I know I am getting a more well-rounded education and am learning.
The classroom culture at YES is absolutely wonderful! It is like one big family. Everyone is always prepared to help each other out. We are not going to let someone sit in the corner if they are confused. Our teachers make sure that we never feel scared to ask questions and the students are always supportive and encouraging.
The school, the culture, the students, the teachers—everything here at YES is great! I don’t have one favorite part because all of the pieces are what make this school so wonderful!
