"It was really my gym teacher, Ms. Smith. She told me that I would make a good president, but at the time, it was something I hadn't even considered. I did a mural in her classroom so I was there quite a bit and we started talking. She said that she thought I had a good chance and that I should give it a shot. So I did—because she believed in me." — Abel Hernandez, Junior Class President
Here we present two groups of interviews with members of the Central community. First is a collection of six student profiles gathered by What Kids Can Do in April. These students speak passionately about how they've changed at Central, their motivations, and what the future holds. Next is a collection of interviews with six adults, all conducted by members of Central's Student Research for Action team. With personal histories as diverse as their jobs at the school, this group talks about how they ended up—eventually—at Central.
Students
Joysmar Adames, Senior
"I've always wanted to do the best for myself so that my mom could have whatever she wants, so that I can help her as much as I can."
Rudy Cabrera, Junior
"The play I did here was one of my biggest accomplishments. I got such a rush off of it, now I want to be an actor."
Johanna Castillo, Senior
"Before I came to Central I was really shy and hated presenting in front of the class. Now it's one of my favorite things to do."
Abel Hernandez, Junior
"Imaging my future is what really motivates me. The thought of succeeding, of making money, of doing it all on my own—that's what motivates me."
Kevin Joaquim, Senior
"I'm motivated by other people, by the ways that other people discriminate against me."
Evelyn Robertson, Junior
"If people just try their hardest, if they put their best foot forward and do their best, then I think they can be successful, no matter what."
Adults
Renee Bailey, Head of Guidance
"I wanted to become a counselor because I had such an awful counselor when I was a student. I wanted to do it right. "
Andy Delong, Social Worker
"In the beginning, I just wanted to help people get food stamps. I wanted to help the people around me in ways that I could actually see."
Karen Doucette, School Nurse
"I want to say to this year's graduating class, 'You are great kids. Do not let anyone tell you differently. You can do whatever you want.'"
Priscilla Mello, Social Worker
"That's how life is—you have to negotiate and compromise with the people around you."
Harold Metts, Vice Principal and State Senator
"I proved that you can have good students and a great team, and that you can move from failure to victory by not giving up on yourself and others."
Cyndi Rodriguez, School-Based Resource Officer
"I really live for my children. Family is very important to me."
