Aucocisco....More than Just a School

Before my enrollment in Aucocisco in the 5th grade, the world of letters and words was a maze I couldn't navigate. At the time I thought I would never truly connect with the written word, hindering my potential for a fulfilling life. 

Aucocisco was more than just a school to me; it was a beacon of hope. The dedicated staff and tailored programs offered there were my first real glimpse into a future where I wasn't defined by my limitations. Through patience, understanding, and innovative teaching methods, the educators at Aucocisco unlocked a door I thought permanently closed to me. 

My inherent interest in STEM was evident from an early age, yet progressing in these areas was challenging without a strong foundational skill set. Aucocisco School was pivotal in changing this trajectory. It not only provided me with the tools needed to build a robust foundation but also fostered an environment where I could excel and truly embrace my passion for science and mathematics. This transformative experience was evident when I transitioned back to public schools part-time, where I quickly rose to the top of my class in these subjects. My academic journey did not end there; it propelled me to pursue higher education at Syracuse University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. 

The foundation laid by Aucocisco has been instrumental in my professional development. Today, I lead the department at a prominent company that specializes in providing AI solutions for the Department of Defense. This achievement is not just a reflection of my capabilities but is a testament to the unwavering support and exceptional education I received at Aucocisco. The school’s influence on my life extends far beyond academic success; it has been a cornerstone in shaping my career path and guiding me towards realizing my full potential. 

Reflecting on my time at Aucocisco, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Without their intervention, I fear the narrative of my life would have been vastly different, marked by missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams. Instead, I stand proud, a testament to the school's impact, ready to embrace challenges with resilience and determination. 

To the future students of Aucocisco, you are embarking on an incredible journey. In this nurturing environment, you will discover your unique strengths and learn to shine. To the educators and staff, your work does more than teach; it transforms lives. My story is but one of the many lives you've changed, and I am eternally grateful for the foundation you've given me—a foundation built on the power of reading and the strength of belief in oneself.

Why We Teach

One of the coolest things we get a chance to do is we take something like reading or writing, something that might have seemed impossible for some of these kids, and we make it accessible. We make it fun. A student we had with us this summer, he’d had a lot of anxiety surrounding his work. There were some days he even had a hard time getting through the door in the morning;  that was his level of anxiety when it came to school work. By the end of his time with us, he told one of his tutors, “I wish you guys were my teachers during the school year.” Yes, it was remarkable that he was reading and we helped him do that, but even more than that, there’s this self-esteem component that’s so remarkable. That’s something we don’t teach. Success teaches that. We just happen to be lucky enough to see that. The way that kids feel about themselves after working with us, that right there is why I teach at Aucocisco.

I Can Read!

     I worked this past summer as a tutor in our summer intensive reading program. Students meet with a different tutor each hour for four hours a day, five days a week. One day while going over vowel sounds, my student looked up at me to me and said, “I can read now!” I said, “yes, you can! How long have you waited to say that?”

     “Since I was five!“ Knowing she had been waiting four years to be able to say she was a reader was such a humbling experience. I had seen all the hard work and determination she had been putting in with us. Her mom had shared that her daughter was even joining in with their stories at nighttime and decoding the words she had recognized. It wasn’t just what we do here at Aucocisco that changed things for her, it was her own passion and desire to be a reader that turned things around for her. It truly is a team effort. We gave her the foundation, and she took herself across the finish line. Moments like this are why I teach.