Melissa Michelle describes PBATs and internships at International High School at Prospect Heights
Melissa Michelle, a 12th grader from Haiti, describes passing six PBATs including a social studies paper on the Lenape. She says presenting to a panel and internships built her confidence and leadership skills.
Good afternoon.
My name is Melissa Michelle, and I'm from Haiti.
I've lived in the United States for three years.
I'm a 12th grade student at International High School at Prospect Heights.
I love everything about my school.
At my school, there is no bullying.
We get help when we need it from our advisor and teachers.
Always help us with our work and push us to do more.
Also, our counselor helps us apply for jobs and internship.
My school has many clubs.
I'm in soccer, softball, French, Asian clubs, dance, and there are more.
To graduate from my high school, we have to pass six P-BATs, native language, English, science, social studies, and personal statement.
The people that I enjoyed doing was social studies.
As a newcomer to New York, I think it is important to know about its history.
The focus of my research was on the Lenape Native American people.
people of New York, and why we no longer speak Lenape.
In my research thesis, I argued that the first removal had the biggest impact on the Lenape people.
I wrote this research paper.
It was graded by all the teachers, and after I passed the paper, I was allowed to present it to a panel of teachers and students.
It was challenging because they had to ask me questions about what I learned.
I had to pass my panel so I could graduate.
Doing PBATs helped me develop my writing, research, and presentation skills.
Another thing that is special about my school is that we work in group in class.
This helps me prepare for the future because listening to different opinions is very important.
In my class, I have students that speak different language.
There's always a debate going on, and that's what makes this subject interesting.
Working in groups makes you open-minded and more social.
It teaches you to problem-solve and to be prepared and organized.
Another highlight of my school is the partnership they have.
In 9th and 10th grade, I was an apprentice with the BIM Center, and I've learned a lot of things that will help me with my future.
They trusted me to be a group leader and a project and group manager.
Being in a position like this made me love myself more and motivated me to become a businesswoman.
As a leader, I learned
how to behave so that people trust me.
I have a voice and share their opinions.
Before the experiences offered at my school, it was hard for me to talk in public or in groups.
I've always been very shy to new people.
Now I feel comfortable.
When I graduate, I plan to go to college.
I'm interested in studying nursing and business.
I'm grateful to be at International High School at Prospect Heights because they made me confident to express myself.
I think all students in New York City should have the chance to present their work like we do with P-Bats and have opportunities inside and outside school to prepare them for college and life.
Thank you.
Merci.
De rien.
Ask Spanish to me.
Muy bien.