Thanks to M. Corbin for the referral to the new student blog at the Academy of College and Career Exploration. ACCE is one of the city's innovation high schools and, at four years old, it will graduate its first senior class in June. The blog, News from Room 123, is written by students in that class, reflecting on their lives and what lies ahead after graduation. In its week of existence, the blog has touched on subjects ranging from excitement over good SAT scores to getting by without family to lean on to playing catchup for credits. Consider this entry, by student Qwashawn Daniels, called "Mind of a Senior":

As (I) sit in room 123 my mind sometimes wonders off into space. I look at my peers and within I see excellence, but when I analyze myself I don’t find the same greatness. I live in the projects with my mom and two younger sisters. My mother has always tried to make a way for us, she takes care of needs instead of wants. When I see my mother struggle taking care of my sisters it makes me think. I want more out of life and I know that if I apply myself then I can be something or make something out of my life. We talk about college and the steps we take to reach our goals in this class. In my daze I always find myself putting myself down and giving up. In my heart I know that I can do it and it shows in some of my work, that’s only when I feel that I’m college bound. Other times I feel that I am as smart as the young adults that surround me in this class. Im afraid that I won’t make it in the “real world” because there won’t be anyone to push me. Over time I sit in room 123 my mind shuts the world out and thinks of the negative aspects in my home and educational life. 

I look forward to hearing more of these students' stories throughout their senior year.