Name: Chime

School: Manhattan Comprehensive Night & Day High School

Graduation: June 2023

Post-graduation plan: I got a Posse scholarship to Skidmore! I’m excited to have that full college experience and be independent – get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I haven’t decided on a major yet but I’m very interested in studying psychology.

How CYD helped: I worked mostly with Sebastian when I applied to college and scholarships – he knows me and my situation well. All the advisors were helpful with essays and just giving advice, reminding me of all the details to pay attention to. Sometimes you just need words of encouragement, and they give you that, too. Last year I went to Hattie and asked, what are things I can do this summer? She asked all about my interests and when I told her I like writing, she helped me find a six-week internship at a magazine for NYC youth. I applied and was accepted. It was a great experience, and they published my story on their website.

Dream: Being Buddhist and Tibetan, we were always taught to be compassionate and kind, and put others first. I want to get a good job, make good money, look after my whole family – but at the same time I have a need to help other people. After I get a degree in psychology, I want to go back to India, where I grew up, and spread awareness about mental health. There’s still a stigma around it in many small towns in India and Tibet. I want to change that.

Fun fact: I’m one of eight children in my family. Two of my brothers also went to MCNDHS and to college from there!