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"It felt good to win on the volleyball court. You know what I mean? And be beside people that were just as motivated and wanted it as much as you do."
What are your plans after high school?
VG: I am going to continue my studies at URI. I am going in as undeclared business.
AJ: I don't really know right now.
AS: I committed to Salve Regina in Newport and my major will be psychology. I also learned I got accepted to Howard today. But I received a full scholarship to Salve.
EG: Next year, I am going to go to CCRI for two years and then transfer to a four year school. I want to go into the medical field, either pediatrics or cardiology. When I transfer, I would like to go to PC or URI.
What will you miss most about high school?
AS: I enjoy the bond you make because the school is so small. No one is not a familiar face. It is a very close community here so I will miss that.
EG: I would say the same thing but also the kindness of all the students. When I first got here, I didn't know much and they were all very supportive.
You are being recognized for your achievements on the volleyball court, could you tell me more?
VG: The way that the volleyball team bonded together was special. We all played for Hope and made it to the championships in November. We were runner-ups to win the championship. Only losing to Providence Country Day School.
AJ: I always had volleyball practice in the DR (Dominican Republic) but I never played in a real game. So for me that was my best experience to be part of the team and play on a competitive team against other teams.
AS: It felt good to win. You know what I mean? And be beside people that were just as motivated and wanted it as much as you do. Overall, I just love being involved. Volleyball, softball, student government, prom committee, all that good stuff. I like it a lot.
EG: It was a great season. Valentina has been involved since her freshman year. I recruited Ambar and Ayva to join us on the team our junior year and we had a great season.
What are you most looking forward to up until graduation?
AS: I'm not looking forward to graduation. For me, I didn't get the opportunity to stay in one school for all four years. I transferred to E-Cubed for the last two years. I feel like I haven't had enough time here, and really don't want to leave. It is obviously exciting to look forward and make new friends and learn new things. I wish I had more time in high school.
VG: I would agree. Even though I've been here all four years, I still feel like I haven't had enough time to get to know everyone well and the teachers well. Sports in general too, with how fast the seasons went. You had a really good time but you wish everything was longer.
EG: Leaving here will be tough.
Why are sports important to you?
VG: Playing sports, you build more friendships. Build bonds. A community in general. Everyone knows us as the volleyball girls.
EG: We all got connected through volleyball.
AJ: When I came here, I was excited to go to the United States and play on sports teams. I was so excited to join a team. It was hard fro me in my first year in here in Providence. My first months, I felt something was missing. It was hard to get used to the environment and the weather. I missed the vitamin D, the sun. Volleyball was great. It was part of my life in the DR and once I got into volleyball here, it made things easier.
VG: Coach Chu was a really good coach. He helped us grow. We went from junior year not winning any games, to winning all the way to the championship. He is a teacher at Mount Pleasant and a boys volleyball coach at Central.
Why E-Cubed?
AJ & AS: It was the closest school to home. I'm a 15 minute walk from here.
VG: For me, it was because my sister went here. She was a senior when I was a freshman. Her four years went really well and she encouraged me to go here. AT first I was scared it would be too small, but I like it a lot.
What advice would have for freshmen?
AS: Be involved.
AJ: Every adult is so helpful and comprehensive.
VG: Try new things. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.
Any teachers or staff who had a big impact while you were here?
All: They are all great!
AS: Mr. Constant has been welcoming from the jump. He makes it his business to get to know every last student. Everybody has a bond with him. Everyone feels comfortable ranting to him and going to him for advice. He's always checking up on you. He always makes sure you're acknowledged and that's something I have always appreciated about him.
