They come from every corner of San Francisco in varying states of readiness. Some are sure to navigate change with ease and confidence, while others will chip away at creating a comfortable space for themselves where growth exists and individuality is treasured. More than a few hope it won’t “suck,” and a handful believe this is just the next great adventure. No matter what, it’s high school, and it’s on.
On Friday, August 16th, Gateway’s rising 9th graders boarded four yellow school buses and headed east. They disembarked at UC Berkeley to begin a day’s worth of activities designed to introduce them to college life. Tasked with a scavenger hunt, freshpersons were encouraged to engage with Berkeley students while asking for directions or photo ops. Gateway Advisors shuttled the 9th graders between various landmarks, and were quick to point out unique buildings, coffee faves, and hidden study spots.
The purpose of this nine-year-old tradition is to give kids a close-up view of what is possible and frankly, what is also expected. Gateway High is a college preparatory school, and the curriculum is designed to cultivate the strengths in each individual learner. The Berkeley field trip is only the first of many lessons used in college preparation. Everything from community service to Humanities classes to Athletics is framed within a context of personal achievement and long-range goals.
Nationwide, the educational landscape has changed dramatically over the last generation. Technology has increased the reach of the classroom. Science has greatly shaped the industry. Learning styles are celebrated rather than corralled, and learning differences often become a source of pride. Yet, many would argue these advances, namely the competitive scheduling, commitment to any number of extracurriculars, and expectation with regards to higher education have come at the expense of children.
One teacher lamented, “I wish we didn’t have to talk to 13-year olds about college. It just seems like so much pressure.” Of course, Gateway’s mission to send kids to college doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Born out of a realistic economic worldview, as well as the science behind personal happiness/fulfillment as it correlates with education levels, Gateway Public Schools simply invests its best efforts into what is clearly a universal quandary. It is a delicate dance of promotion, support and yes, expectation, but one, of which, Gateway leaders are well aware.
Principal Fuller took the stage Friday morning before the trip to directly address the incoming students, “There’s no time that’s more important than this,” he said. “This is the time where you have the most control over your life.” Then, with the full weight of his authority and position, he paused. “Be open…. stay open to ideas and things.”
Returning Gateway sophomore Natalie echoed this sentiment in a breakout session at Berkeley. “One thing that helped me was to open my net,” she shared. “If you like to bake, bake. If you like basketball, play basketball. You don’t have to think big picture, but do your homework and go to class and you’ll be on track.”
The greatest gift our students can give their future is to be here, right now. And that goes for all of us.
When asked in the Berkeley breakout what sets Gateway apart from other schools around the city, GHS grad Stephen offered, “Reading may not be the best thing to do, but when your teacher dances while she’s talking about it, it’s so much better.”
That’s Gateway for you - even dancing to get it done.