During Morning Circle today Link alumnus Stanley Baxter spoke to students about his educational journey to date. He emphasized the need for students “to take ownership” of their learning, not to depend on teachers and parents to “do everything for you.” Support from those sources, he said, is important but ultimately it is up to the individual to find the motivation to do well. He exhorted students to “seek out and stay connected with people who think like you and are headed in the same direction …toward success.”
Stanley also mentioned how attending Link – being in a close knit, family like environment was “empowering” for him. He was able to grow in confidence and learned a lot from Link teachers in a comfortable environment.
Stanley just completed his first year – an academically successful one – at Rutgers, Camden where he plans to major in Finance and minor in Economics. Graduating from Link in 2007, Stanley went on to high school at Seton Hall Prep. While at Link, he was introduced to NJLEEP (NJ Law Education Empowerment Program) through an elective class on constitutional law. NJLEEP is an enrichment program offering tutoring, SAT Prep, counseling and college application assistance during his high school years. Stanley credits Link and NJLEEP with providing the inspiration, encouragement and nurture that he needed to help him succeed.
