Cassidy

Cornell

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?

I love the teachers at Eastern Christian. The smaller class size means that teachers often take an individualized interest in you and your learning, which makes it easier to ask questions or get help when necessary. As a result, I have been able to build strong relationships with many of my teachers through both classes and extracurricular clubs, and some of the teachers have become my trusted mentors.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.

Mrs. Kim, who teaches many of EC’s math classes, is one of my favorite teachers because of the way she connects with her students. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about mathematics, and she is able to convey the material in a way that is fun and interesting. I always look forward to her classes.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

I have a better understanding of faith and how to connect with God as a result of my experience at Eastern Christian. The Bible teachers are always willing to answer any questions that I might have, which has been helpful for growing my faith. They are genuinely interested in each person’s walk with God, and they understand that not everyone is in the same place in their relationship with God.

At Eastern Christian we talk about an education that is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience this kind of education at EC?

The STEAM program is one way that I have experienced all three of these ideas in my education at Eastern Christian. STEAM is a four-year program in which students focus on a single research question or project idea, so it really allowed me to engage in learning about a single topic. STEAM students are also assigned mentors, which allows teachers to nurture students’ minds and challenge them to grow. Finally, when I first drafted my STEAM proposal in freshman year, I was challenged by the STEAM mentors to create a project that would have a positive and tangible impact on the world, which reflects EC’s focus on transformation.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?

Academically, I feel prepared for college writing and presentations thanks to EC’s Humanities program. I believe that the regular essays and presentations required for that class have prepared me for college assignments and given me essential skills that I will need when I enter the workforce later in life.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?

I think one of the experiences that is unique to EC is the Christmas Festival, which has become a tradition at Eastern Christian High School. Every year, EC hosts first and second grade students from a Paterson elementary school and celebrates Christmas with them. Being a high school buddy to one of the first or second grade students and watching them have fun with the different activities is an experience that is definitely unique to EC. The way that the community comes together to hold the event and ensure that the children have a joyful Christmas celebration is reflective of the strong and caring community we have here at EC.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?

I would tell them that there are a lot of opportunities to learn and grow at EC, and deciding not to attend would be a missed opportunity. Regardless of what they are interested in, EC is able to provide a way for them to explore the subjects they love. EC students also have diverse academic and personal interests, so I would say that prospective students shouldn’t worry that it will be difficult to find a group of like-minded people that they can learn with.