Our Trip to Microsoft

Our program in Somerville is off to a strong start. Students recently went on a career visit to the Microsoft Store to learn more about career opportunities there. Here is one student's account of the day:

Emanuelle and other Somerville students try their hands at coding.

Hi my name is Emanuelle. I am a sophomore at Somerville High School, and I am from Brazil. This week we went to the Microsoft store in Boston. When we first got there they started to talk about their jobs. They also explained the history of Microsoft and who founded the company. Next they taught us how to code. We watched a tutorial on the computer, and then we made our own code. At the end we played the game that we made with the code.

The most interesting part of this visit was when the employees told us how they got their jobs. For example they explained which classes they took in college and what else they had to do to get their jobs. This was interesting because, it is helpful for people who might want that job.

One thing that I learned is that Microsoft's CFO is the first woman to hold that position. Her name is Amy Hood and she is on Forbes, list of ‘’The World’s 100 Most Powerful Woman’’. It’s great that a woman is in that position because usually we have a lot of man in top leadership positions. Amy Hood is an inspiration for girls who want to be powerful and independent when they grow up.

Our trip to Microsoft was exciting and I learned a lot about different parts of the company.

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Enroot friends, family, and supporters:
 
The two things I admire most about our students are their optimism and resilience. Enroot students are some of the most optimistic and resilient people I’ve ever met.
 
Optimism and resilience also happen to be two of the things I like best about our country, and they are a big part of what continues to make us greater with each generation.
 
Each of our students is processing this week’s news in their own way but for many it’s a moment that challenges both their optimism and resilience. It’s a moment when the team of caring adults we surround them with is needed most.
 
I’m writing today to ask that you be a part of this team and contribute your voice to those confirming for our students that they are welcome here, they are valued members of our community, and that we are more committed than ever to their success.
  
Below are some ideas of how you can show our students you stand with them and make a difference in their lives. You can add your voice in lots of ways - by donating to help us serve more students or by simply sharing this with your networks and encouraging their involvement.
 
Now more than ever, I’m deeply grateful to be a part of Enroot and for the support of so many individuals who invest in our students’ futures.

Thank you, today and every day, for being a part of our family.

Ben Clark
Executive Director

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Now more than ever our students need your support. Let them know you've got their back and stand with our community to affirm the value of our immigrant students.

Share stories about our students with your friends, family, and network. Show our community how much you value Enroot students and celebrate their amazing accomplishments. 

We're not sure what the days, weeks, and months ahead will bring for us, our community, or our students. We're committed to staying informed, staying involved, and staying active to ensure that our students feel safe, celebrated, and encouraged to succeed.

Why I Joined Enroot!

By: Sampriti, Enroot Student Class of '17

Hi my name is Sampriti. I came to the United States last April.  Last year I joined the City Links mentoring Program [now Enroot]. I got an amazing person as my mentor. She was very helpful and friendly. I was helped by her with my homework and improving my English. My mentor also gave me information about the college application process. We also went to museums, made art projects and went out for ice cream which was really fun. As a new student in this country I understood that I could never get these opportunities unless I joined City Links.

Samprity and other Enroot students at the MIT Hackathon.

This was my first summer in the United States and I got a summer job through City Links. I worked as a junior staff member for an academic program called Summer Discovery. I worked helping teachers in the classroom with the students. It was a great experience and I have learned how teachers take care of students. I am feeling grateful that I was a part of Summer Discovery, and I enjoyed working with the teachers.

Also during the summer City Links arranged a few field trips I got chance to visit Trip Advisor, Novartis, Education First and Georges Island. I also got chance to participate in a MIT Hackathon.

“City Links” is now “Enroot”. This program only has changed their name. The goal is the same. This program has many different options for immigrant high schools students. As an immigrant student I think I made the right decision to join this program.