Hey BCSM!

Hello friends!

I’m Manuel Figueroa, and I’ll be the SEAD intern at BCSM for the next few months. I was born in Houston, Texas and have spent most of my life there. I’m a sophomore at Dartmouth, and am studying Government. I’m actively involved in the College’s fencing team, and in my free time I either attend the Computer Gaming Association’s or Student for Education Reform’s meetings. I love to read and enjoy writing as well. When I’m not being boring, I like to cook, watch Netflix, and listen to music.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all (again), and hope that you have tons of questions and enthusiasm for our time together. Senioritis can be very real, but I promise I’ll be the little Kronk on your shoulder (Emperor’s New Groove if you’re not familiar).

I’ll be at BCSM on Monday, January 11th. Come by and see me, say hello! I might have cake

Reunion Reunion Reunion!!!

Hello LoveLies!

In less than 24 hours, we'll be on our way to Dartmouth College for the SEAD reunion! I'm very excited and I know that you are as well. This past week was very hectic as our students prepared for the SAT test, I know that the journey is over for most of you-- how relieving, and for those of you still fighting the battle, rest assured that you're not alone.
At this point you should be fully invested in the college application process; wrapping up your essays and supplements, scheduling interviews and looking at potential scholarships. All of you are exceptionally equipped and qualified for the colleges on your lists and you shouldn't be afraid to put your best foot forward when applying. I'm always here for you so do not hesitate to reach out to me or I will.
I spent some quality time with Katherine and Isabel this past Friday at Ihop! It was such a pleasure to hear so much wisdom from these two. I learn so much from being in their company, from tips on pulling off the grimiest thrift finds to finding the most affordable/yummiest eateries around NYC.

Let me tell you about those buttermilk pancakes and hash browns

In preparation for the Reunion

• Pack up all the essentials; textbooks, notebooks, laptops, calculators and pretty much all you need to complete your homework/ college apps
• Get ready for the 20 degrees drop in temperatures (Hanover is brick) ; bring warm clothes 
• Bring something to eat on the bus -- Lays( *Looking at you Isabel*)
  

What time? : 7:15 AM 

Where? : W 33rd St & 11-12th Ave


SeadLove,
Precious

Week 8!

Hey Lovelies!

Hope you all had a wonderful and restful weekend! It's hard to believe that this is officially the last full week of my internship -- WOOSAH!
So last Friday, we had a delightful time at the BCSEmmys! It was so great to see the students letting loose and not taking themselves too seriously. The BCSEmmys, hosted by the senior class as a courtesy to the National Honor Society, honors the students who have demonstrated academic excellence and discipline throughout the course of the marking period. Safi was awarded the student of the Month for showing great integrity and scholastic excellence; We're Proud of you Safi!

When thy phone is bum

This past Sunday, the students volunteered at the NYC marathon! The students( the whole BCSM senior class) were out there from 8AM to 5PM! I'm so so proud of you all for showing such great SELFLESSNESS and GENEROSITY!

Yesterday was the school senior picture day! We had a wonderful time afterwards munching down on some delicious donuts as I helped some of the students with their college essays.

 

 Reminders!!!

The reunion is this coming Wednesday!!! Talk to your teachers before Thursday and ask for any work you'll miss while absent. 

The SAT is this upcoming Saturday
For the next couple of days leading up to the test, be productive with your time! 

1)Spend the most amount of time on your weakest section. 
2)Take one last full-length prep test 

 DAY BEFORE!
1)Review your notes and go through your grammar rules 
2)Get enough rest, especially on the day before(You don't want to be that person who starts the notorious YAWN CHAIN during the test and you DEFINITELY DON'T WANT TO FALL ASLEEP)
3) Spend enough time on google maps familiarizing yourself with the route to the test center
4) Prepare your materials(2 pencils, a working calculator and your ticket)

DAY OF!
The breakfast strategy
Wake up an hour or two before you need to leave and eat a good and balanced breakfast. Make sure not to overeat or have anything too greasy – more blood will be redirected to your stomach to digest everything, leaving less blood to keep your brain sharp and alert. While you’re eating, do a quick review of your math and grammar rules and then spend some time reading a difficult article.

Don't forget to bring some snacks and a bottle(s) of water.


Last of all;

SeadLove,
Precious

Boba Tea and Selfies

Hard to believe the last day of the marking period is upon us *gasp*. It's even harder to believe that I've already been with you all for 6 weeks now! You guys are such darlings and I'm forever grateful to be your intern. Anyways, it's time for a fresh start. Although you probably won't be able to improve your grades now, you get to make new and better ones!
As all of you already know, this past Saturday we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art! It was wonderful to see how Isabel, Safi and Kat were captivated by some of the art pieces.
While Katherine and Isabel enjoyed seeing Michelangelo's David and Orpheus and other amazing sculptures, Safi and I couldn't get enough selfies with the antique porcelain china, surrounded by the intricately designed Victorian wallpapers.
We had dinner afterwards at a Vietnamese restaurant yum yum boba tea.

Reminders
BCSEmmy hosted by the senior class, honorary board member Safi
Picture Day- Next Tuesday(Nov 3rd)
SEAD reunion (Nov.11-15th)
Study session this upcoming Sunday-- Fordham plaza
2:30 pm

SeadLove,
Precious

Musings and reminders

Hello Lovelies!

I'm very glad and thankful that most of you attended the dinner last night! It was wonderful seeing your lovely faces and catching up with most of you.

It's officially the halfway mark of my internship and you guys have been a great bunch. I'm enjoying my time so far and I hope you're benefiting from my being here.
By this time you should be done with your personal statement(if you haven't, please see me) and working on your supplements for various schools. Make sure that you're working on your supplements in order of priority; prioritize the colleges that you see yourself attending, you know the ones you can't stop thinking about, whether that's Marist, Depauw or St. Bonaventure!

In addition to applying to colleges, you should start thinking about how you're going to pay. I know it can be very stressful to think about paying for school but fret not, that's the reason I'm here. Stop by the college office or schedule an off-campus brunch with me and I'll love to talk to you about your options( there are so many!). I've sent you a list of scholarships that I hope will be helpful so please take a good look at it.

Happy belated Birthday Isabel!!!
Continue being awesome!







A few Reminders for you all
The SEAD reunion (November 11-15): Please make sure that your parents and teachers know about this. There will be several opportunities for you to work on homework/ college apps so please come prepared.

We're visiting the MET this Saturday!!  You'll get a chance to see and take pictures with all those cool art pieces that you've seen on instagram, and you'll sound more cultured the next time you talk to Mr. Kurz! We'll be getting some very delicious Mochi( Japanese rice cake yum yum) afterwards so you don't want to miss it.
Where: THE  Metropolitan Museum of Art/
1000 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10028
When: Saturday October 24th
What time: 12PM

Upcoming: College visit to Stony Brook on October 31st (next Saturday) so stay tuned for more information.

Drop by at the college office!!!

SeadLove,
Precious

Random Acts of Kindness

Hello Lovelies!

I hope you enjoyed your four day weekend!
Yesterday was Columbus day and while most of us were home binging on Netflix and catching up on sleep, some of our students were volunteering with buildOn at Madison square park. You all know that it can be very refreshing to see bright and smiley faces in the usually grim and bustling City. The students spoke about Breast Cancer Awareness, high-fived passerby's and handed out free breast cancer awareness buttons among other things.
 Our own Safiatou Sangare had the pleasure of giving free hugs to some awesome strangers and sharing encouraging messages on facebook throughout the day. Well done Safi!

How can you resist such a radiant smile!

 

A few reminders for you all:

The SEAD dinner is on October 19th at 5:45pm!  

We have a college visit to Marist College on Saturday October 17th.

As we get closer to the end of the marking period, please make sure that you're staying on track!

If you haven't submitted your college essay to me, please send it to me ASAP!

Until next time,

SeadLove

 

Sunday Study Session ft. Chocolate Cheesecake and Hot Cholcolate

Hello Lovelies!

It's already the second day of my third week at BCSM and it's been fabulous. The students have settled into the flow and I'm also finding my way around.
I held a study session on Sunday at Barnes & Noble and the students who visited had a great time doing their assignments for various classes.

This is not a real picture from the event

This past week, I spent time with various students thinking about how to get the best out of their leisurely hours. It's good to keep in mind that the time you spend outside of class is every bit as important as the time you spend in school. So maximize your time! Get involved after school, whether it's joining an SAT prep class, joining a sports club or volunteering with buildOn; colleges will be pleased to admit a well rounded student who likes to get involved. It's also wonderful to know that you're making a direct impact in your community, you're doing something that you thoroughly enjoy and that you're challenging yourself to grow as a person!

Michelle at the college office

Michelle Garcia has been challenging herself outside of school by enrolling in College Now with Lehman College. College Now offers college level course to high achieving students and gives students a maximum of three credits for college.

Reminders:

The SEAD dinner is going to be on October 19th at 5pm. Make sure your parents know about this!
 

SeadLove,
Precious