Fordham Preparatory School - Ramview Ramview Fall 2018 | Page 19

To understand this, you need only look at his college application
process. “I made a spreadsheet that is color coded for the
colleges I’m interested in.” He laughed, “It’s categorized by state
and financial options for me. I want to go to college on the
eastern seaboard somewhere. I hope to get a degree in political
science and learn American Sign Language.” He quickly added:
“But there has to be a flight school nearby.”
The document, a kaleidoscope of colors, is a window into the
mind of this young man. “I want to travel and study abroad. I did
the immersion trip to Australia and I loved it. I want to go back.”
Reflecting on his time at the Prep, Collings sees a change in
himself. “When I first got here, I was all over the place. I wanted
to do everything, and I still do to a certain extent. But I had to
learn how to say no. The Prep taught me balance. There comes
a certain point when I had to make room for myself.”
The annual collaboration between the Prep and St. Ignatius
School, a Jesuit middle school in Hunts Point continues. Prep
students help with homework and projects as part of our
Christian Service Program.
His story at the Prep isn’t simply one of a young man who tries
new things, it is about constant growth. For Collings, that
sometimes came in struggles. “AP World History,” he sighed. “I
couldn’t figure it out. But Mr. Calamari went out of his way to
help. He sat with me and helped me and we talked it through.
He was great! He was constantly evaluating and reflecting, and I
finally figured it out. I owe him so much.”
As Collings’ time at the Prep approaches its end, he shares, “I
grew accustomed to this place. It was like a second home to me.
You spend four years getting close to as many different people
as possible and then college comes and you’re an outsider
again.” He continued, “I’m going to miss the continuity of this
place, but also all the friends I’ve made over the last four years.”
Maxwell Gonzalez ’21, Joshua Ramos ’21 and Nicholas Soddano ’20
will participate in the National Hispanic Institute International
Celebracion Conference in San Marcos, Texas in November. The
NHI encourages dialogue of issues that are important to the
Latino community.
Collings has no need to worry about losing touch with his Prep
brothers. After all, they will most likely be just a flight away, and
he loves to fly. The sky certainly is the limit for Bryce Collings.
In August, Aladdin joined the Prep as the new food service.
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