Life-Changing Impact of My Parents’ Belief

By Everett McArthur

Now I understand why my parents so vehemently wanted me to attend a charter school…

In 2007 I sat with my parents in the front of the room as we awaited my name to be called in the lottery. I remember my mom and dad waiting anxiously for my name to be called. Both were incredibly passionate about me attending a charter school, but I did not know why. When we finally received the call to attend iLearn Schools my journey in the education system certainly changed. Upon entering iLearn Schools, I was immediately thrown into a diverse and new environment. But I knew that I had teachers that I could trust, and most importantly, they supported my academic growth.

Almost 16 years from that day, I now reflect on my time as a student of iLearn Schools, alumnus, and more recently Head of the Alumni Association at iLearn Schools. I now can say, however, that I understand why my mother and father so vehemently wanted me to attend a charter school.

Power of Determination

In first grade, my first year as a student in the charter schools system, I wasn’t mathematically gifted, I hated reading and I struggled to even focus on the smallest of tasks.

Ironically, I have now completed four years at Columbia University majoring in Astronomy taking one of the most mathematically involved majors in combination to a rigorous curriculum that demands attention to detail and dedication to the books that you choose to read for your classes.

But success and determination is something that is common among charter students. I hear stories about the success and perseverance of alumni often.

Proud Alumni Give Back

Pedro Peguero from iLearn Schools ‘18 who has completed his pre law track at Montclair State University, Rayanna Henry ‘20 who has been pursuing nursing at Ramapo College and Kyra Ibok ‘19. Rayanna, Pedro, and Kyra, who are also working as representatives of their vast alumni networks, are only a fraction of what the collective effort of alumni from charter schools can achieve.

I hope for the day that all alumni from charter schools can meet and see each others success. Not just from iLearn Schools but across the charter landscape and recognize the importance of being a part of a great educational community.

Just the Beginning

This is my final year working on the alumni association and as of next year I’ll begin my time at Stanford University’s Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology. While it has been quite the journey I do not have any doubt that if you graduate from a charter school you are ready to take on the world.

If you are a parent student or alumni, understand that the community is the backbone and strength of your commitment to education. Indeed, my success as a student of iLearn Schools has been driven by my teachers, my friends and most importantly my mother and, now, late father who I know is proud of me.