Alexis Stampp, an Eleventh grader at St. Francis Preparatory College, is a local of Jamaica.
Photograph courtesy St. Francis Preparatory College
Alexia Stampp, an Eleventh-grade pupil at St. Francis Preparatory School (SFP) in Brooklyn, was born and raised in Jamaica alongside together with her complete household.
Most of her kinfolk migrated to the U.S. when she was younger, however she, her mom, and her sister made the transfer only a 12 months and a half in the past. “I used to be terrified at first about coming right here, however being in school helps,” Stampp shared.
Many is perhaps shocked to study that in Jamaica, she was an avid athlete, collaborating in a number of sports activities, together with aggressive and synchronized swimming, gymnastics, and dance. Now, she is embracing new challenges and is at present attempting out for the college’s lacrosse workforce.
Stampp lives in Springfield Gardens, Queens. One of many issues she likes in regards to the neighborhood is that it’s quiet. “I’ve Caribbean neighbors, and I nonetheless get Caribbean meals, so the tradition may be very current,” she added.
She sees her mother as probably the most important affect on her path in life since she pushed her in a constructive course as a baby. “My mother was very instrumental in supporting me with extracurricular actions, and she or he pushed me to remain concerned with faculty,” she said.
Stampp is concerned within the faculty’s Campus Ministry, notably the Soup Kitchen and Midnight Run, which she began doing final 12 months.
The Soup Kitchen is at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Jamaica, Queens. As a part of this, Stampp and several other different college students help with getting ready and serving meals to anybody there in want.
She, different pupil volunteers, and college chaperones work collectively for the Midnight Runs to kind garments, make sandwiches, and put together toiletry kits. At midnight, they journey by faculty bus into Manhattan to distribute the donations to homeless folks.
“Doing this work has opened my eyes lots, and it’s particular to carry them some consolation,” Stampp defined.
She provides that the response from these she serves has been very constructive. “The persons are very appreciative and grateful,” she continued. Stampp says she plans to proceed doing this work sooner or later.
One thing that makes her coronary heart glad is music, particularly reggae and gospel. What’s subsequent for Stampp is getting ready for faculty.
She might begin her school purposes this summer time. “Many of the subsequent faculty 12 months goes to be devoted to that and maintaining my grades,” she said.