One of 360: Gabby Z. '22
11/27/2020
Kaitlin Resler
Our One of 360 series continues with Gabby Z. ‘22. Gabby’s work on her Signature project investigates the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latin American immigrants in Berkshire County, where she lives. Read more about Gabby, in her own words, on the challenges she has set for herself at Emma, her family, and her Signature project.
On home life...
On home life...
I’ve lived in the Berkshires for as long as I can remember. I absolutely love this area because I am surrounded by tons of mountains, abundant hiking trails, and verdant farmland. We live on an organic vegetable farm that my father manages, and where I worked this past summer. My mom works as a community outreach organizer for a local church and is an active member of the community. I look up to her as an example of how to work for change in one’s community.
On Emma Willard School...
After homeschooling through 8th grade, I was so excited to start high school in a place that looked like Hogwarts. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by faculty who support me in my interests and classmates who are engaged and interested in learning. Each year at Emma, I have challenged myself to take advantage of a new opportunity - first joining the crew team, then participating in Mock Trial, and now starting a Signature project.
On her Signature project...
My mom works with several Latin American immigrant families to connect them with resources and support. This past spring break, I learned that all of the employed adults in these families had lost their jobs as restaurants, landscaping, and painting companies closed due to COVID-19. Even though countless people across the country were being impacted by this pandemic, it affected many immigrants much more intensely because many could not access the same social safety net afforded U.S. citizens.
This past summer, I was aware of the many ways in which my mom was connecting immigrants with emergency resources. A few times I accompanied my mom on trips to the food pantry to pick up food to deliver to these families. Through conversations with my mom, I started to gain insight into the different ways in which immigrants in Berkshire County are experiencing this pandemic. For example, as schools moved to remote learning, local public schools did not translate parent communications into Spanish (or other languages) and did not provide interpreters. Additionally, many families did not have access to the technology necessary for their children's education. As a result, many kids couldn't successfully engage in online learning and parents struggled to assist them. After hearing about the experiences of many immigrant families, and after having a chance to meet some of them, I was inspired to dig deeper into how this pandemic has uniquely impacted immigrants.
On crew...
I love crew! I started rowing for a local club in sixth grade and I joined the crew team at Emma [in ninth grade]. I love everything about the sport - my teammates, my coaches, and the empowering feeling of cruising down the Hudson River. Rowing constantly challenges me to be a more diligent athlete and a more focused teammate, both of which are essential skills.
On Emma Willard traditions...
My favorite tradition at Emma is peanuts and shells because I love giving and receiving small handmade gifts. I think that it's the perfect way to get excited for both Revels and winter break.
Thanks, Gabby, for sharing your passions and contributing to the Emma Willard School community in unique and significant ways. We look forward to seeing the impact you will have as you serve and shape our world!
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Gabby and her lawyer after her first trial in Mock Trial.
With her crew teammates at nationals.
