From Stipend to Self-Discovery: Kevin’s NewComm Journey

When Kevin first joined NewComm, his primary motivation was financial. “Honestly, it was the stipend,” he admitted. “At the time, I wasn’t thinking about personal growth or anything like that. I just wanted to earn some money.”

Before joining NewComm, Kevin, who was a sophomore at the time, remembers those years as particularly tough. “I was definitely in a tough place—kind of sad and struggling with school,” he reflected. “I was trying to figure things out as a teenager, and I needed money. So when I saw the opportunity with NewComm, it seemed like a cool job to get.”

While Kevin emphasized the importance of the financial support, he also spoke passionately about how transformative the program was for him, both personally and academically. “It changed everything,” he said. “I went from feeling low to being in a much better place mentally. The community aspect was huge for me—I made real friends and found people who supported me.” These people, two years later, Kevin still describes as his “family” or even—“home,” a term that reflects the depth of his connection to NewComm.

“Before NewComm, I was shy and nervous about meeting new people. Now, I have the confidence to start conversations and try new things,” Kevin said, enthusiastically mentioning that he recently joined his high school’s wrestling team.

When discussing his academic journey, Kevin laughed and replied, “My English skills probably improved the most—especially my writing. I couldn’t really write that well before, and I mostly just never saw it as something for me.” Going further, Kevin shared that NewComm introduced him to a whole new way of seeing literature and writing. “It’s actually a super powerful tool, and I do enjoy it now…even though I still prefer STEM.”

Throughout the program, Kevin experienced several memorable moments. “The morning games, like ‘Never Have I Ever,’ were fun and helped break the ice with everyone,” he recalled. “And Lauren, one of NewComm’s teachers, who checked on me the first day— that’s probably one of the moments that stuck with me. It showed how much the NewComm staff cared. In fact, they’re not just staff; they’re true teachers and mentors.” Kevin also fondly remembers the field trips, saying, “I had never been to Central Park before, and exploring Manhattan in that way for the first time was unforgettable.”

After completing the program, Kevin shifted his focus to school and family. “My senior year has been great—I joined wrestling, met new people, and got accepted to Fordham University!” he said. “NewComm played a huge role in that. The program helped me with recommendation letters and guidance throughout the college application process, which was especially helpful since my school counselor wasn’t as supportive as I would’ve needed.”

As Kevin looks toward the future, he remains open to different career paths. “Right now, I’m leaning toward the legal field, but I’m also considering majoring in math,” he said. “I’m still figuring it out, but I know I have options.”

“NewComm gave me everything that somebody with my background would need: great teachers and mentors, and a sense of community,” he said.

Kevin’s journey is a testament to the power of supportive communities and transformative learning experiences. “NewComm really changed my life, and I’m grateful for it,” he said.