2023 Alumna Speaker - Daniele Dickerson

RHS Class of 2007

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2012, BA English Literature 

Otis College of Art & Design 2015, MFA Writing 

I am a writer and the Executive Director of Student Life at ABC of Westport. My family and I live in the ABC House with the scholars of ABCW and we serve as their guardians, plan enrichment events, advocate for their needs, and make an inclusive and safe space in the house. It is our first year in this position so we’re still at the beginning of our ED journey, but the scholars are phenomenal and it is the most fun (and intensive) job I’ve ever had. While at RABC I was lucky enough to have Natasha McNeal as my RD for my Senior year, and I felt firsthand the difference it can make for the scholars to have an involved, informed and understanding RD. I knew even then that one day when the time was right I would return to ABC, in some capacity. Now my partner and I are Executive Directors and we hope to make an impact both on the scholars and the CSP model itself to improve the experience for current and future ABC scholars. 

FAVORITE MEMORY

My favorite memory is the cumulative experience of having a level of independence and autonomy as a teenager that not many people experience. From living away from home starting at 13 years old, to navigating airports and cross-country travel 6x a year on my own, to being in charge of my own academic and personal progress— all of this allowed me to grow and mature at a rate that set me up for the rest of my life. Also going to see Broadway shows every year, HBCU football games, and the Ebony Fashion show, the enrichment activities I participated in while at RABC with my fellow scholars were life changing for me. And lastly there is not enough I can say about the classes I took, the teachers that believed in me and inspired me, and the way my worldview expanded while at RHS. 

ADVICE FOR CURRENT SCHOLARS

What you’re doing is extremely challenging and at times feels impossible, but you can do it. And you’re doing it for you. Use every opportunity, take classes you’ll love, pursue your interests, ask for help and support and use the many resources at your fingertips. Self advocate and stand up to use your voice if you feel something isn’t right— your voice is so important. High school is a universally difficult time, so take the good with the bad and treasure your experience— it is unique and one day you’ll look back on it and appreciate the memories and what it taught you. And once you’re on the other side of this struggle, give back to the next generation of scholars. You understand their challenges better than anyone else, and you can make an impact.