Summer on the Harbor - First Time for Everything

Hi everyone!

My name is Deonte Small, here officially starting my STH/STB blog career. I’m 23 years old, born and raised right here in Boston, which is one of the reasons I took this position. I went to the Charles Taylor during elementary school and Edward Brooke Charter during middle. During high school, I was in METCO program so I didn’t go to school in my area. Going to school in Bedford, Mass, I did not contact many people that looked like I do. I was one of maybe 20 total African-American students in the entire high school. I would not change that experience for anything, because it helped shape me into the person I am today. I learned about other cultures earlier than other people that lived in my area. Right after high school, I moved to Providence for college.

That being said, I never got to build a true connection with my city.  STH attracted me, not just because I can connect with the environment but I can help lead the youth in the city as well.  Besides a few summer camps, I’ve worked retail my whole career. When it comes to leading and teaching, age means nothing. I know I will learn loads of information from my fellow SHE's, along with the LHE's and JPA's. This summer will be my first interactions with the kids who are about to enter into the college/working world, and I’m excited to see what these new experiences will bring!

Hope to see you on the harbor!

-Deonte