The Dream School

Kara Slawter, School Counselor

April 13, 2018

Dear Tonya Sheffield, Executive Director of The Dream School,

Madison Tripplet and Eric Gonzalez are high achieving seniors at Yadkin Early College whose dreams include pursuing English and Communications degrees at UNC and Education and Japanese degrees at UNC respectively. 

In Fall 2017 Eric volunteered/job shadowed in a 1st/2nd grade elementary classroom to gain more teaching experience. Through The Dream School Eric’s Japanese presentation allowed him to be the educator in a different environment and consider media based education possibilities. Combined these experiences will assist Eric as he prepares to teach ESL in Japan after graduating college.

First year student Chandler Wooten excels academically but has struggled to find his place socially at Yadkin Early College. Through The Dream School experience, Chandler is beginning to blossom and has started volunteering at the local library and participating in our newly formed YECHS Film Club. I am confident that with continued exposure and practice Chandler will build his confidence and learn how to mentor younger students. In the future Chandler would like to major in Meteorology at UNC-Asheville and I hope he can pursue this in future podcasting episodes. 

Junior, Tyler Wood, is one of the most driven Yadkin Early College students to work in the film and entertainment industry. While Tyler has lots of experience acting and interning at a Children’s Theater in Winston-Salem NC, I’m proud that he stepped into the host role through The Dream School. I think Tyler has a natural and genuine on-screen presence that keeps the audience both entertained and at ease. I can see that this experience has made Tyler more confident and given him a platform to stand out amongst his peers. 

Sophomores Yeiren Magana and Lizet Ramirez-Torres are blossoming into intelligent and assertive young women. While Yeiren enjoys the fashion industry and exploring new territory like Paris, Lizet’s goals concerning deep thoughts and everyday advice as no less pertinent. 

Yeiren and Lizet, like Eric, are bilingual and I would love to see them explore their podcasting in Spanish. Also I hope for all three to do some promotional Spanish videos for our Film Club and illuminate the many accomplishments of our diverse student population. 

The Dream School encouraged our six Yadkin Early College students to refine their talents, build their confidence and explore newfound creative territory. I enjoyed how YECHS students interacted with other talented youth from across the county. 

While many of our students are academically driven, they lack positive role models, especially male ones, and I appreciate you giving our students access to enthusiastic and knowledgeable mentors of all ages. This program is truly unique and I appreciate the many hours the coordinators, college mentors and Yadkin Arts Council personnel put into this experience.                                                                        

Respectfully,

Kara Slawter

July 10, 2018

 Hi Ms. Sheffield, I'm not quite sure how to start this off, but I just wanted to give you a huge thank you. I am close friends with Madison T. and have been for the last few years. (She also doesn't know that I am doing this, but I felt led too) She is a very interesting character who really underestimates herself and is one of the most amazing and intelligent people I have ever meet. So, I just wanted to say thank you for reaching out to her, getting her to open up a little bit, and seeing that amazing potential she truly has. 

So, again, thank you so much.  

Ashley C.