From New York City to Andover, New Scholars Bring Fresh Eyes to ABC of Andover
Our two newest scholars both come to Andover from New York City - Tanijah from Brooklyn and Mané from Harlem. While they bring different experiences and plans to the ABC house, they both call on the same story when asked to share one thing that has surprised them about life in Andover so far.
“There’s a lot of bugs and wildlife. This morning I saw a fox cross someone’s yard, and I got really scared,” said Tanijah.
“I was so quick to text my mom,” said Mané about the wildlife sighting. “When I stay with family in Senegal, we see sheep and goats and stuff, but I have never come so close to a fox before.”
“We went to the park and played tag, went on the swings, we were just being childish. It was really fun… the people are genuinely really nice people.”
While both scholars were taken aback by the sight of an animal roaming downtown, the people they’ve met here stand out as they think about why they chose ABC of Andover and how they’ve settled in so quickly. Mané was moved by the adults she spoke with during the interview process, and her mom was comforted by the support team in the house. “The board member who interviewed me really pulled me in, and then we got the perspective of someone in contact with the scholars, which my mom loved.”
Tanijah talked about bonding with some of the older scholars this fall, as Lewis, Kiarra and Janay showed her and Mané around the neighborhood. “We went to the park and played tag, went on the swings, we were just being childish. It was really fun… the people are genuinely really nice people.”
Mané and Tanijah have both quickly gotten involved in activities at school, including a pre-season basketball program and Black Student Union. Tanijah has also joined the Fashion Design Club, and Mané is involved in the Diversity Club and Amigos Unidos.
With their first year of high school underway, both scholars are already forming their post-AHS plans. Tanijah is interested in becoming a physicist or a chemist. “It’s a lot of time and schooling, but the job will make up for it – that’s the dream job.”
Mané says she’s not sure what career is in her future, but, “it will be something revolving around mathematics. I plan on being successful and doing something that leads me to the right path.”
