ARIELLE

Af Bushwick Elementary

2ND GRADE ELA & SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Throughout her life, Arielle lived by the motto: ‘learn how to be comfortable not knowing anything.’ This became a mantra for her as she started her career as a teacher last fall at AF Bushwick Elementary. And even though she was now the one, “behind the desk”, Arielle felt like a student again. School, as she had known it growing up, had changed.

There were a lot of new beginnings in 2021 for Arielle: a new school home, colleagues, and a new group of enthusiastic 2nd graders. The team at AF Bushwick Elementary had to rethink elementary school, adjust, and strategize all year long, while often not knowing what tomorrow would bring. Nevertheless, Arielle and the team at AF Bushwick Elementary devised multiple strategies to foster growth and inclusivity across the second grade.

They put reading as the first class of the day to boost engagement and comprehension, met regularly with students, and structured planning with co-teachers and school leaders to collaborate on ways to improve. Arielle says that she, “Never felt alone,” and that last year’s successes and achievements were possible because AF Bushwick Elementary worked in a community for and with each other.

“As a teacher (in my first year), working and learning in community with my peers meant so much to me,” says Arielle. “I grew to be more adaptable and solutions-oriented because I saw first-hand the importance of coming together as a team.”

Af Bridgeport

MIDDLE SCHOOL & AF AMISTAD HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNA

Isabella doesn’t take her titles for granted. She is a first-generation college graduate, North Carolina A&T University student, small-business owner, Lead for North Carolina fellow, and most importantly: an Achievement First graduate.

These positions, diplomas, and milestones were earned, not gifted. And that’s always been the case since she joined Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Middle School. Her reading and math skills were above her grade level, she was always taking on extra credit, and she secured college scholarships before she even graduated from Achievement First Amistad High School. When she went on to continue her studies at North Carolina A&T State University, that trend continued: she became an Amazon Prime student ambassador, served as a mentor to underclassmen, and even started her own business that delivers hair and skincare products to young black women on all HBCU campuses across the country.

When she graduated, Isabella remembers the words of her father that reminded her of the people who got her there, “You are not just getting this degree for you. There are people that you don’t know that always ask me about you, and always root for you.” She was able to reflect on her past journey and see that it wouldn’t have been possible without the outpouring of love and support from her family, loved ones, and the Achievement First community.

As hard as the challenges were – from having to take off a semester due to a family emergency to working two part-time jobs to financially support herself – Isabella persevered. It was the continual support of her Achievement First community that showed her she was never alone. It was a team effort from day one.

Achievement First continues to play a huge role in Isabella’s life, even all these years later. She knows the importance of aiming high and giving back, remembering all the lessons she’s kept close since graduating. As a Lead for North Carolina fellow, Isabella is learning the in’s-and-out’s of local government, strengthening public institutions, and supporting our local communities. Though Isabella’s eyes are firmly set on the bright career path ahead of her, she is taking the next steps of her journey in service of doing what is best for the community and loved ones that got her here.