MAAC May 2025 News
- Andrea Smith-Morgan
- May 9
- 6 min read
Updated: May 13
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MAAC College Day Tour Wraps Up in Essex County
"I loved today... I think this is an amazing project and I got to meet people... I'm happy I did this"
"I enjoyed everything and had a lot of fun."
"Best experience"
These words came from students who attended MAAC's College Day. They're also the words of students experiencing homelessness, displacement, and housing instability.
This third and final leg of the 2025 College Day tour brought a day of learning and inspiration to 26 high school students at Essex County College's West Caldwell campus last week.
The scholars enjoyed all the goodies that kids like—breakfast, lunch, DJ music, a college tour, candy, swag and giveaways, and more. But perhaps the most transformative part of the day came from the empowering words of the guest speakers in attendance.
Benjamin Davey, social worker and owner of nationally recognized nonprofit Benny's Bodega, engaged the students in a robust discussion on growth and resilience.
"There's this expectation that when you're 18, you're just supposed to do this; to know everything," said Davey, citing the pressures of jobs, school, and influence of others. "Don't do what you're supposed to do. Do what you want to do. Do what's in your heart; what makes you happy. No matter what others think, feel, say." He added, "I'm a social worker. I don't make a lot of money. I'm busy. But I'm happy."
Keynote speaker, educator, and co-creator of Molding Minds, Celeste Ross-Barry invited the scholars to tap into their inner strengths to build confidence in themselves and who they want to become. When she invited the scholars to stand up and speak about their strengths, some of them hesitated. She reminded them of their power within. "You chose leadership as your strength. We want to hear you. Stand tall. You are beautiful." They rose up, clearly elevated by her words.
This transformative series of events was made possible through a partnership with Essex Regional Educational Services Commission.
Chrys Rodriguez: Determined to Reach Her Career Goals
By day, she cares for young children in their homes; by night, she tends to her grandmother in hers. This month's MAAC scholar Chrys Rodriguez talks about her mission to care for others and the surprising challenges of getting her foot in the door.
During last year's MAAC Summer Boot Camp, Chrys shared her dream of attending Middlesex County College to become a certified nursing assistant. MAAC director Andrea Nicole Smith-Morgan contacted the school and arranged a virtual meeting between Chrys and a college representative. After the meeting, Chrys was excited about the prospects and began preparing to enroll. Then the floor fell out.
"When I was about to register, they [Middlesex] said they don't offer that program anymore," she said. "So I tried Lincoln Tech instead, because they had many scholarships available."
Chrys took a test for admission for the nursing assistant program and soon received happy news: She passed the test. "I told all my friends I passed. I did all the requirements for entry. I even called and asked if I really passed. Twice!"
Two weeks later, however, Chrys got a phone call. "I had just come home from work and getting vaccinated [a requirement for admission]. My arm hurt. And I got a call from Lincoln Tech saying there was a mistake—I didn't pass. I was so embarrassed and upset, I didn't even want to deal with it. No way did I do all this for nothing."
The school suggested that she could apply for other programs, such as dental assistant, but Chrys declined. "I said, 'I don't want to do that.' I was so mad."
Even after encountering these roadblocks, Chrys remains determined to achieve her goals. "I really want to go to college. I've been trying to save up money." During the day, she's working as a caregiver to infants and young toddlers in their homes. "I feed them, give them naps, change them, read with them, and help them with sensory toys." Chrys loves her work
with children. "Two kids gave me drawings. It literally melted my heart." And the kids love her, too. "They [the parents] call me often because their kid cries for me."
But her day isn't over yet. When she returns home, she cares for her grandmother.
"I help her with what she needs, like with brushing her teeth and giving her company. I annoy her a little," she laughs. "It's a way we joke around. We talk about what she did when she lived in Puerto Rico and the traditions she did. She asked what I would do if she started cooking again. Oh, the smell from her cooking... I'd go running down the stairs!" She's hopeful that her help is paying off. "She's moving around better."
But not every day is an "up" day. "I have been feeling discouraged. I think the hardest part is the financial stuff. I also have a learning disability, and I know I'm going to struggle really hard. I've been told I don't have to go to college and it's not for everyone. But I really want to go. I want to be successful. My biggest fear is having a future where I'm struggling. That's what pushes me to have a good education."
Chrys has been invited back to Summer Boot Camp 2025 to continue receiving guidance and support in reaching her goals. If she attends, she'll be joining her sister, who learned about the program from Chrys. "I didn't know there was anyone to support me," she said. "MAAC prepared me for what to expect."
Last Chance to Register for Summer Boot Camp 2025!
Do you know a rising senior or junior who's unsure about the college application process, or unsure if they even want to go at all?
From essays to interviews, and guidance to inspiration, MAAC has you covered with our immersive (and fun) Summer College Readiness Boot Camp!
Scholarships available depending on financial need. Register today here!
Oh, one more thing...
One of our 2024 Summer Boot Camp scholars was just accepted to an Ivy League school—more on that next month!
The Language of the Morning
Last summer, one of my beloved MAAC villagers, Ms. Sophie, placed a gift in my hands: the Merlin Bird ID app. This portal into the secret life of birds includes a Sound ID feature, which listens to the sky and offers real-time intel on who's singing in the trees.
Lately, I've found myself wondering, What is it that makes this app so special?
Each morning during meditation, I lift my eyes to the open skies, searching for guidance, for nourishment, and for a reason to trust the unfolding day. The symphony overhead responds; a wild river of sound weaving through the stillness.
Curious as to the source, I open the Merlin app.
A monk parakeet nearby, bold and bright.
The American Robin and House Sparrow, locked in a lively morning debate.
The Red-Eyed Vireo appearing like a secret—rare and fleeting.
The Blue Jay shouting for attention, commanding the stage. The call of the Northern Cardinal, with a melody that feels like a blessing.
It's both fascinating and humbling to acknowledge how the world sings to us when we slow down enough to listen. The sound of nature is a balm; a soft unfolding—like the first sip of coffee, warming both hands and spirit.
If you are searching for stillness; if you are standing at the edge of a question; if you simply need to breathe, listen. The sky is always speaking.
In the coming month, may you find joy and peace in the quiet songs all around you.
MAAC Board Members
Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabara | Tanya Isler-Home | Nadine Verna | Tamara Williams
Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC), PO BOX 338, Montclair, NJ 07042
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