Meet Daniel, Future Engineer

Daniel is the youngest of five siblings and the only one attending remote CPS classes this year. After learning about High Jump from his school principal and English teacher, Daniel enrolled at the Lab School campus last year, where he developed a passion for science lab. “I love dissecting animals and seeing what makes them move. I’ve always loved taking things apart and putting them together; I hope to be an engineer one day,” he says.

There’s something else that Daniel loves about High Jump: the opportunity to connect about school,” Daniel shares. “They’re interested in going to college, they know they with like-minded students. “The other kids I met at High Jump have similar mindsets want to pursue their dreams and succeed in life, and they don’t take education for granted. They push me to do more and give me the confidence to take action to achieve my own dreams.”

Daniel’s experience with High Jump this summer prepared him well for a remote school year. “I feel that I’ve been blessed with all the information that High Jump has given us. It’s a relief to know that I have all these people behind me and supporting me. It’s made these difficult times a lot easier.” And while Daniel has missed both the science lab and the in-person connections with fellow classmates, he found new ways to maintain friendships this summer. “I text my High Jump friends daily, and we try to make it feel like we’re together by playing games online.”

As he prepares to select a high school, Daniel is grateful for High Jump’s support. “I always assumed I’d go to my local school, Gwendolyn Brooks. But High Jump has helped me see my other options. As a result, my confidence has grown, and I’ve grown overall as a person – it’s been a great experience. Now I know I have a good chance of going to the perfect high school for me.”