Elaina
Humber College
What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
As a student with multiple diagnosed learning differences, I have always struggled to find a school that supports me both academically and emotionally. Having learning differences can cause many problems with a student’s self-esteem and until beginning my education at ECHS I never truly felt intelligent or equal to my peers academically. I have experienced multiple ways of schooling; I’ve been in the public system in both America and Canada, I have been home-schooled, and now, I am finishing in a private Christian school. Throughout my public education (K-7) I was treated less than my peers because of the way I learned and I also felt like a burden on my teachers. However, at ECHS the possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to the teachers and resources this school provides for students like me. Mrs. Englehard, Mrs. Post, and Mrs. Johnson have sat patiently with me and helped me understand any work I had to complete without complaining or even a sigh. I am so thankful EC has given me a place to thrive in. For the last 2 semesters, I have achieved high honor roll and it was possible because of these accommodations EC happily provides.
Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
I am extremely thankful for Mrs. Genuario. She is a light in ECHS and a light in any student’s life who has had the opportunity to take one of her classes. Her ability to always be herself no matter what is truly inspiring and I hope I grow into a woman similar to her. She is a woman with apparent, deep-rooted faith and so much love for God. Her continuous prayers for me and my life have always brought me a sense of comfort and her ability to produce multiple newspapers a school year and a fully completed yearbook all by herself is mind-boggling. I am so thankful she is here and I was able to be taught and inspired by her every-day.
In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
EC has taught me a lot about God’s love and God’s forgiveness. High school is a time to make huge strides in your emotional maturity and academic maturity but it is no secret that high school can also be a time to make mistakes (and I have made MANY mistakes). Through it all, God showed me the importance of ‘moving on.’ I have learned that everything that happens is for a reason.
In this school and through my teachers/mentors I have grown in this aspect of my faith. I have learned to trust God and not worry so much.
At Eastern Christian we talk about an education that is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience this kind of education at EC?
The teachers at ECHS are some of the most caring and loving men and women I have ever encountered. Not only can they make an hour and twenty block class fly by, but you can sense the true care they feel their students every day. My teachers have always wanted me to thrive (something very rare in the public system) and I am very thankful for that.
How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?
Well, I can write an essay like nobody’s business at this point… but I can also think critically, logically, and spiritually on my own. I feel like I am ready to step out into the world with kindness and humility, two things I learned from my teachers, and conquer any challenges with God as my shield.
What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
I was able to participate in the WINGS program at Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff. For a student like me who does not take very rigorous courses in school, it is so helpful to have an internship with credits attached to it. I was able to bump up my GPA and resume in one class which is extremely helpful. I am thankful for my internship because it taught me so much about the working world and what to expect.
What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
It’s a small school, so try to get involved. I made the majority of my friends in the first two weeks of high school after I joined the school play. Of course, this was terrifying, but I thought it would be fun to play a part like “tree #3” and make friends while doing it. It’s important to be involved, not only socially, but also later in life. Involvement means a longer and stronger transcript and better relationship with teachers, which can never hurt.
