Meet Chloe Frajmund '19
I grew up in Brasilia, a city plagued by institutional segregation and lack of intersections— physical and otherwise. In an attempt to decrease automobile accidents, city architects created a series of roundabouts and overpasses so that cars never cross each other on the roads; this phenomenon of civil engineering a disturbing metaphor of the lack of intersectionality in the mindset of the people of Brasilia. I longed for a place where I did not have to succumb to a life of social stratospheres, and when I moved to America I found this place within Bronx Science.
For me, Bronx Science has been the definition of intersectionality—funnily enough being the place where I learned the meaning of the word. As a student, we complain about the crowded hallways, but ironically it is where we all connect with each other as a school. With head nods, high fives and quick hugs to not clog the flow of people, the hallways of this school become a sanctuary for individualism while still fostering a sense of unity within us all.
“...for me Bronx Science has been the embodiment of the phrase “it takes a village”
Bronx Science has opened more doors for me than anything or anyone in my life. With teachers who encourage differences and unconventionality amongst the student body, who yearn to teach us not only how to be good students, but how to be good human beings, I was able to find and define myself within our little—yet not so little—village. With more people than Provincetown, for me Bronx Science has been the embodiment of the phrase “it takes a village;” for every student, faculty and staff member is invested in the education and upbringing of its students.
At Bronx Science, because of this environment of more of a home than an institution, I was able to not only focus on my academics but on creating an impact in my community. Although we are merely high schoolers with much to learn, the adults in the building don’t treat us like children, but instead support us and give us the tools to follow up on the ideas we have. I saw this support first hand through student government where students are allowed and even expected to take the lead on everything from thinking of event ideas to marketing to setting up events; and the administration and Alumni Foundation are the funding and support we need to make these events come to life. With this encouragement we are able to host monthly movie nights, school dances and my favorite: the school carnival in the spring.
Bronx Science has made me who I am and has always pushed me to be the best version of myself. In it, I have found a passion for social change and know that this is something I want to pursue for the rest of my life. As my days at Bronx Science wind down I know I will miss every little bit of it. I’ll miss staying to decorate the cafeteria until 6pm, miss the costume-filled hallways on Halloween, and most of all, miss the feeling that when I swipe into school in the morning, that I have come home. I am, and always will be, eternally grateful for everything this school has done for me.
Support a Bronx Science Education!
Bronx Science can’t do all of these programs without our help. The New York City Department of Education provides only $300 per student for enhanced education which must cover everything from textbooks to electives to extracurricular programs. With 44% of students living below the poverty line, we can’t ask many of their families to close that gap. It is Bronx Science alumni that make up the difference and fund the programs that make a Bronx Science education meaningful.