A CELEBRATION OF BELONGING
Here we highlight just a few of the numerous members of the Prep community who feel and create a sense of belonging both on and off the Rose Hill campus .
Robert Disney ’ 23
Robert Disney ’ 23
Robert Disney ’ 23 played soccer and participated in track and field at Fordham Prep . He was also part of the Kawaida Club , Environmental Club , and the Ministry Leadership Team , and journeyed to Camden , New Jersey and Scott County , Tennessee for Christian Service trips .
“ I felt a sense of belonging at the Prep when I went on my Ad Amorem retreat ,” he recalled . The three-day Ad Amorem retreat for seniors provides an opportunity to reflect on God ’ s presence in their lives while deciding on a college and professional career . “ I got to see another side of my teachers and classmates which brought us closer together ,” he added about the experience .
Disney will miss going to homeroom each morning , where he would catch up with his track teammates and coach George Febles P ’ 15 ’ 22 . He is grateful for the relationships he formed and the people who accepted him for his genuine self .
As he moves onto college at Fordham University , Disney will carry with him all that the Prep taught him about creating an environment that fosters belonging . “ You should always be open to including and accepting others just like the Prep did for me ,” he noted .
Robert is grateful for the relationships he formed and the people who accepted him for his genuine self .
Milena Carrese
Milena Carrese
Now in her second year as a Prep employee , Assistant Director of Admissions Milena Carrese found the process of getting settled to be quite easy due “ to the welcoming environment .”
“ I think the community here is a big part of why I feel like I belong ,” she began . “ I think from the jump , all of the faculty and staff have been incredibly welcoming , whether it ’ s saying hello in the hallways or asking about my dog or about my apartment search ,” she continued .
Carrese loves seeing student ambassadors and teachers engage with prospective students during Ram for a Day , a program that allows eighth graders to experience a day of high school at Fordham Prep .
“ One of the biggest points of feedback we get from Ram for a Day is that the student walks away really feeling like they were welcomed into the student
I think the community here is a big part of why I feel like I belong .” body ,” she noted . “ They always comment on how at lunch everyone was talking to them and how the faculty would ask them questions about themselves in the classes that they would attend , and how different coaches would approach them in the building and encourage them to come here and say , ‘ You ’ d be a great fit for 3D Printing or for eSports or for the football team .’ I think that that gets them really excited about envisioning themselves and their future here .”
In addition to hosting tours of the Prep for prospective students and parents , Carrese chaperoned a Sophomore Discovery retreat in her first year and helped lead the final DBJ workshop of this past school year .
“ I think that there ’ s an investment here beyond just what you ’ re doing ,” she explained . “ On a day-to-day basis , there ’ s a true interest in us as a person and you know , wanting to make sure that you ’ re happy and feel supported here . The students are respectful and friendly , you know , holding the door open , carrying a box for you across the hall if it ’ s heavy , making a point to pop in the office and chat . So I think that overall , it ’ s been a really cool environment ,” she added .
— Milena Carrese , Assistant Director of Admissions
SUMMER 2023 VOLUME 43 , ISSUE 2
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