A virtual talk, titled “Empowering Students to Self-Advocate: Student Advocacy at Stephen Gaynor School,” was hosted by Director of Psychology Clare Cosentino and Director of Placement & Student Advocacy Erica Kasindorf this week. Over 90 people were in attendance. During the event, graduating Blue Cluster students gave insight into the Student Advocacy curriculum while reflecting on their own journeys.
The evening opened with a presentation on how to identify and discuss learning differences, and an overview of the student advocacy curriculum, with examples of student work completed during the lessons.
After the formal presentation, a student panel of three graduating Blue Cluster students was introduced.
They described themselves as learners and also talked about how they felt learning about their learning differences.
They then talked about how knowing about their learning differences will help them when applying to their next school and in their life after Gaynor.
Victoria R. said, “I think knowing about my learning difference really helped me apply to high schools, because I knew what to look for and the certain amount of support I needed. I got to talk to teachers at schools and see how they taught their kids, and I got to talk to learning centers and see how they would help me. That was helpful to choose a school, and to choose a school I think I need and I would like to go to. And I’m also very grateful I had the opportunity to learn so much about myself.”
Ella B. said, “I think this will help me after Gaynor, because I will know my strengths and weaknesses, and I will know what tools and strategies I need to succeed. Also, I’m confident in talking about my learning difference, and I’m confident in talking about myself and me as a learner, and I’m not insecure about it, and I know that I need to advocate for myself for me to succeed.”
The students discussed if it was helpful to talk to their parents about their learning differences, with all agreeing that it was important to have a support system. They reflected on advice they would give to parents as they talk about these issues with their own children.
Ella B. said, “I think the best way is just to comfort them and tell them that what they’re going through is normal, and that they’re not alone and you’re there to comfort them and that you’re not judging them. And that they’re smart, and they are their own self, and they shouldn’t be comparing themselves to other people.”
Wrapping up the Q&A, students gave advice to kids who are just starting to learn about their learning differences.
Jonah L. said, “I would just say you may be struggling, but if you just are optimistic and not pessimistic, it can help you not feel very trapped and sad.”
Victoria R. said, “I think kids just learning about their learning differences just have to believe in themselves and have an open mindset, because the more you learn about yourself the more comfortable you’ll be. But if you go in with a fixed mindset like, ‘I’m not going to listen to any of my teachers, this is how I’m going to be,’ it’s not going to go well. And I think Gaynor provides so many opportunities for you, so you just have to take advantage of them.”
In closing out the Evening Coffee Talk, Ms. Cosentino reflected on what a great job the students did and how strong the Gaynor community is.
“I want to say these students are all superstars,” she said. “They’re confident, open, and inspiring. You can see the openness of our students. I keep in touch with students all over the city in high school, and I know the Gaynor bonds are very deep.”