During the first semester of college, Roberto Clemente Community Academy graduates face a strange new world; a world with many options, new friends, connections, and possibilities. Many new students are juggling full-time jobs and full-time college schedules while still helping to support their families. No longer bound by 8-3 schedules, their world has many new challenges. This past December, many of them returned to Clemente High School to impart their wisdom on the class of 2018.
Ranging from new college students to recent graduates, their experiences spanned the gamut, community colleges, four-year universities, and specialized trade schools. “They spoke about their classes. One girl told us that one class could be 5 hours long and you have to sit and pay attention,” says Junior Imyah Manuel. “They spoke about what life after you leave high school is like. Basically, you have to learn how to monitor yourself, that way you stay on track,” says Junior Christopher Russo.
One former Clemente graduate, Fernando Pita, recently graduated from the New England Culinary Institute.
Having spent several years in the Roberto Clemente Culinary Program, he is now, a patissier at the Alliance Bakery, located down the street at 1736 W Division. At Alliance, Fernando continues to use his culinary skills to create beautiful, tasty desserts.
It was great for the current Clemente IB students to see and hear from these experienced college students. We hope they will take the advice of their fellow Wildcats!