A former resident contemplates her childhood at BHS as she looks ahead to college.

My name is Zaria  and I am seventeen years old. I was born in Natick, MA and I was raised in Framingham, MA. My mother was born in Jamaica and because of her background I was brought up with the Jamaican culture all around me. For example, my mother cooked Jamaican food and spoke the language of Jamaica which is Patois. Furthermore, I was brought up in a Christian household. My mother took my family to church every Sunday and through practicing Christianity I gained a strong faith. For the past three years, every summer I have attended a two week Christian camp in Ocean Park, Maine; this camp has brought me closer to my faith and God.

I am the youngest child of three; I have two older brothers, Nicholas and Aaron.  I used to live at Bethany Hill School apartments. Bethany Hill School is an educational housing program for low-income adults and children sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. I lived there with my mother and two brothers ever since I was born. It has a playground and basketball court that I remember playing on almost every day.

Bethany Hill School provided me with many opportunities that I may not have had if I never lived in the apartments. The Bethany Hill School program made me feel safe, secure, love, and care. I was a part of the many after school activities they have. I was a leader at Bethany participating in puppy love, a dance group, and tutoring.  Also, in the summertime, they provided a summer camp for the kids who lived there. Once I was mature enough, I was allowed to help guide and counsel the younger kids. Because of Bethany Hill being in my life, I became the person I am today. I realized that no matter what my profession turns out to be, I want to help people. I want to have opportunities to change people’s lives and become a role model to my peers.

During my years at Bethany I went to Walnut Park Montessori School, Jackson middle school, St. Tarcisius School, and Marian High School. Throughout my high school career, I have participated in volleyball, basketball and track and I am very athletic.  I am a captain on the varsity volleyball team but unfortunately, I was not a captain in the beginning of the year; however, my coach felt that I have become a leader and deserved the title. I helped the junior varsity team during there practices and taught skills to those who needed assistance. In addition to my after school sports, during the school year I volunteer in an after school program for kids. I enjoy working and helping children it is one of my many passions. In the summertime, the after school program I volunteer for provides me with a summer counselor job.  One day I want to either become a nurse or a teacher. I am patient, open-minded, and a good listener. These qualities make a great leader.

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