High School is one of the most impactful times in a person’s life. From the friends that are made, to the lessons that are learned, and most importantly, the people that teach. While most will say goodbye after their 4 years, occasionally some return to give back. Two graduates ended up right back here at UAG, as crazy as it seems, it’s true! You most likely know these staff members but some might not know that they were former UAG students. Ok fine, I’ll get to the point, these staff members are Mr. Bradshaw and Ms. Espinal. I asked them questions on UAG and some personal facts to get to know them better. So come along and find out more about these staff members.

Ms. Espinal

What years were you at UAG/What year did you graduate?

I entered in 2013 and graduated in 2015. I came from a Catholic School that got shut down.

What made you choose UAG?

I saw that all the train lines came to UAG, so I decided to go there.

When you attended here, what were your favorite parts of being a student? Do you still see any of the elements you loved here today? 

Yes, I loved how relatable the teachers were, I enjoyed the way the classes were taught. My previous school was very traditional and this school was ahead of its time, even back then which I really appreciated. I really enjoyed technology.

After Graduating, how did you reconnect with UAG? 

I randomly bumped into Ms. D at a high school fair. Ms. D recognized me and it was very special to me because I never thought my principal from so long ago would remember me.

What made you want to work here again?

I wanted to give students the same opportunity that Gateway gave me. For example my grades really struggled and Gateway worked with me, so I decided to do the same. 

How did it feel being a student here vs being a staff member here?

Being a student here was nice because I had good relationships with teachers and as a staff member, I get to use those same teachers as support.  My relationships have grown a lot and I love seeing the other side of it. And as a student, I always wondered how the teachers knew so much about me but now as a teacher, I understand because we discuss the students and how we can best support them.

Are there any things that we have that you wish you had at our age at UAG?

Access to Ipads, because I feel like it would help me take notes and maybe could have benefited from watching videos on the topics in class. Also scholarship opportunities, because when I was there we didn’t have many of those given how new the school was at the time. 

What pathway were you in? How did it impact you?

IT taught me to be patient with my task and it also taught me that I’m capable of fixing things. I try to put my skills to use when a teacher needs help but I fail sometimes.

In your free time, what do you like to do for fun?

I love going on long hikes with my dog. I love spending most of my time with nature. I also enjoy Bowling like Mr. Z. I’m not as committed as him but I ask for tips every now and then. My dog’s name is Cleo and she is a mini goldendoodle.

 Do you like to cook? If so, what’s your favorite dish to make? If you hate to cook, what’s your go to take out? 

I love to cook and I love cooking Dominican cuisine in general. Maybe rice and chicken are my favorite combinations. It’s influenced by my grandmother’s food. They both loved cooking so I feel very connected to them when I cook and it feels good to carry on those cultural traditions.

As a student at UAG, what would your advice be to me?

“Save your energy because it only gets harder and try your best” I feel like this would be advice that I should have given myself at that age.

What are your future plans or career goals – where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself well traveled. I want to go to so many places and different countries. I also see myself owning property.

 

Mr. Bradshaw

What years were you at UAG/What year did you graduate?

I graduated June of 2021 and I came in 2017.

What made you choose UAG?

I really liked the community and loved the support of the staff. 

When you attended here, what were your favorite parts of being a student? Do you still see any of the elements you loved here today? 

The GateAway was my favorite part because it was interesting and welcoming. I came to the school in the fall then knew everyone. Also just any other events like Thank Cake and the block party. I do see those elements today because we have done a lot of them this year.

After Graduating, how did you reconnect with UAG? 

I came to school for a visit and to say hello to the staff. I got to chatting with Ms. D and she let me know, if I was interested, the school had a job opening. It sounded really great and I couldn’t say no. 

What made you want to work here again?

I wanted to create the same impact for students that the staff gave me.I want to carry on the UAG way.

How did it feel being a student here vs being a staff member here?

Getting to see both sides, I better understand why the teachers are so tough on students sometimes. I didn’t fully understand that as a student.

Are there any things that we have that you wish you had at our age at UAG?

I wish I had a prom because I graduated during covid. I never had a prom or senior trip and I also in a way wish they took our phones away even though we never really relied on them that much.

What pathway were you in? How did it impact you?

I was in information technology and it impacted me a lot because whenever staff or people needed help on a computer, it was fun to tell them or help them with their problems.

Do you like to cook? If so, what’s your favorite dish to make? If you hate to cook, what’s your go to take out? 

Yes, I do like to cook, I especially like Mac n Cheese with jerk chicken. Given my family is from Guyana, I’m used to eating spicy food a lot and I like to mix the two together.

For students like me at UAG, what would your advice be to me?

I would say “do your work and ask for help when you need it so you don’t fall behind” and also “speak up because it will go a long way”

What are your future plans or career goals- where do you see yourself in 10 years?

My future plan is to either be an officer or a rank in the nypd or working in the MTA. I would be a conductor in the MTA or help with the trains. I will be majoring in criminal justice soon and working closer to achieving my goals. 

I enjoyed my interviews with these staff members. Their responses were sometimes similar and sometimes the polar opposite! This was a great opportunity to learn something new and surprising! And maybe you too could one day be the person standing in front of the UAG class leading the way.