Campus visit inspires inner-city students

On Friday morning, the long benches of Nassau Hall’s faculty room were filled with about 100 fifth graders from Bronx Public School 70, one of the largest public elementary schools in New York City. They listened attentively as President Tilghman told them that “Princeton is a place of teaching, but more importantly, it is a place of learning.”

Former USG president Leslie-Bernard Joseph ’06 is now the language arts teacher of these starry-eyed youngsters. Joseph, who began working for Teach for America after graduating from the University, brought his students to campus last year as well.

Joseph, who attended public school in New York City, said that his background is one of the main reasons he decided to join Teach for America. “Coming from where I came from, I knew what impact I could have. I faced the same reality as these kids,” he explained.

The purpose of bringing the students to Princeton is to excite them about the possibility of attending college. Joseph said that last year his students found that the trip “opened their eyes to what their futures could hold.”

The campus visit was hosted by Ignite, a student organization that aims to encourage lower-income students in the tri-state area to go to college. Anna Almore ’08, who founded the organization last year, explained that the visit from Bronx P.S. 70 was facilitated by 500 hours of work from 50 student volunteers. “I think their effort really shone through,” she said.

Tilghman was enthusiastic about the visit. “This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage primary school children to aspire to go to university. They can keep it in mind as they live their lives,” she said.

Vice President for Campus Life Janet Dickerson also welcomed the children and gave them advice about the importance of learning.

Brandon Bierlein ’08 told the students about some of the history of Nassau Hall. They listened with rapt attention and expressed curiosity about the ceremonial mace used during opening exercises and Commencement. There were so many questions from the eager young New Yorkers that there wasn’t enough time to answer them all.

The welcome session in Nassau Hall was followed by a scavenger hunt. The children also visited the U-Store and watched performances from a variety of student groups, including the break-dancing group Sympoh and the Black Arts Company, in the Wilson Black Box Theater.

After lunch, the students split up into groups in Cafe Vivian, where volunteers led discussions about college life. One of the volunteers, Randy Allen ’08, said, “It’s important to show these kids that Princeton is possible, especially considering the type of neighborhoods they come from.”

“I will never forget this. Got my own book bag, got my own shirt. We even got to see dorms,” said Joshua, one of the fifth graders. Another student, Brenner, said, “I’m happy because it’s cool to be in Princeton. They say it’s old but I think it looks kind of new.”

The kids were especially intrigued by the eating club pickups they passed while walking around campus. Joseph said his students asked whether this strange commotion happened every Friday.

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Joseph plans to stay with Bronx P.S. 70 and to make this visit an annual tradition. “I love these kids,” he said. “They are why I wake up in the morning.”

“Mr. Joseph makes learning fun,” student Anna said.