Written by: Abdusamad Abdo, Generation Next RightTrack Intern
A Student’s Journey of Growth, Opportunity, and Gratitude
When I first came to the United States from Ethiopia, I felt lost. I was placed in a big school where I didn’t feel welcome. I tried joining sports, but the athletic manager didn’t support me. Some teachers didn’t help much either. I needed a school that understood students like me who are new to the country, learning English, and trying to build a future.
Everything changed when I transferred to LEAP High School in Saint Paul.
At LEAP, I finally felt seen. The teachers are kind and patient. They explain things step by step and make sure everyone understands. In every class, whether it be science, math, or history, the teachers incorporate English instruction in reading, writing, and speaking. This makes it easier to learn and grow. It is a safe environment to make mistakes because students always feel supported.
The students are friendly, and the staff truly care. It felt like I had found my place.
LEAP isn’t a traditional high school with big sports teams. But, it gives students something more important: belonging and opportunity. Although I wanted to play soccer on an official team, I still play soccer in gym class and stay active. These little things helped me feel connected again.
More than that, LEAP helped me grow. I became a Student Ambassador, speaking at school events and helping new students feel welcome, just like I once needed. I got my first internship through Right Track with Generation Next, where I worked both online and in person. My supervisor and the team were amazing. They treated me like a professional and helped me gain real experience for my future career in cybersecurity.
After attending the Generation Next annual event, I felt even more inspired. I saw how education leaders come together to support students like me. I’m truly grateful and appreciative of everyone who made this possible, especially Generation Next and United Way. Through this internship, I met incredible education leaders and mentors who gave me advice, encouragement, and support. I learned how to organize a project, communicate professionally, and grow as a future cybersecurity expert. These experiences helped shape my senior project into something special, something I’m proud to share.
LEAP also opened the door to college. With the PSEO program, I now take classes at Saint Paul College, where I study cybersecurity. This changed my life. There are two school counselors at LEAP and they both supported me and helped me every step of the way. I honed my leadership skills with the support of Ms. Rosa who leads the Student Ambassadors Program. As far as my post-secondary planning, I have received incredible support from Ms. Didi that goes beyond just academics and college planning. She also helped me navigate my new life here in MN with things such as how to get my driver’s license and other important documents. I have been accepted at St. Thomas University, Hamline University, Concordia University, St. Paul and Inver Hills Community College. I received the Wallin Scholarship that will help to fund my associates degree in Cyber Security at Inver Hlls where I have decided to begin my college career. My plan is to later transfer to a four year university to earn a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security and Business. In addition to my school counselors, Ms. Sang Le who is the Career Tech/Work Based Learning teacher supported me with career planning by providing mock interviews and applying for this Right Track internship.
Who Are LEAP Students?
LEAP students are students from Saint Paul and surrounding areas enrolled in Saint Paul Public Schools. Most are new to the United States from 2 weeks to 5 years. They speak little or no English when they arrive. When students go to the Placement Center, they take a WIDA English screener test. This test gives them an English level from 1 to 6. LEAP accepts students with level 0 to level 3.
If students know a lot of English already, they go to a traditional comprehensive high school. But at LEAP, we have intensive English classes, starting from the very beginning. These classes teach all the basic English skills. They help students learn quickly and without gaps.
At LEAP, students come from all over the world: Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, Mexico, the Middle East, and more. We are all learning English and working toward a high school diploma. Some students graduate in four years. Others take five years or more. That’s okay. LEAP gives everyone the time and support they need.
What Makes LEAP Special?
- Small school size: We have about 250 students. That means every student is known by name. Teachers and staff build real relationships with students and help them personally.
- English support: We have six levels of English classes before students move into regular English 9. Teachers help students learn step by step, even teaching reading and writing like in elementary school, but in a way that feels right for teenagers.
- Flexible graduation plans: Not all students can graduate in four years. LEAP helps students at their own pace. We make a plan that fits each student’s individual needs.
Special Teachers at LEAP
Our teachers are one of the best things about LEAP. Some of them are immigrants or refugees themselves, just like us, and some are the children of refugees and immigrants. They understand what it feels like to move to a new country and learn a new language. Some of them also came to the U.S. without speaking English, including our own principal, Be Vang.
Because of their life experiences, they teach with empathy and care. They do not just teach the subject, but they also support us with life, feelings, and dreams. Some teachers speak more than one language, and many know how to connect with students from different cultures. Even the teachers who were born in the U.S. have a big heart. They take time to learn about our cultures and the challenges we face. They are patient, kind, and always willing to help.
The Culture Party
One of the most exciting days at LEAP is our Annual Culture Party. LEAP students come from so many places, even students from the same country may have different languages or traditions.
Because the school days are full of regular lessons, LEAP created a special day just to celebrate our cultures. On Culture Party Day, students dress in traditional clothing, share food, and perform music and dances. We tell others about our history, languages, and way of life.
It is a day when students become teachers, and everyone learns from each other. We see that even though we come from different places, we also have many similarities. We all love food with flavor. We all love music and rhythm. We may share traumatic histories or experiences and have persevered and become resilient. We all want to feel proud of where we come from.
Culture Party brings us closer together. It shows that LEAP is not just a school, it’s a community and a home.
Final Words
LEAP High School is more than a school. It is a safe place for immigrants and refugees to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. We have bilingual staff, strong support, and real opportunities from internships to college classes.
At LEAP, I found my voice, my confidence, and a path to my dreams.
I’m proud to be a student and soon to be graduate from LEAP High School.
