Tamara

“My life is like a makeup routine,” Tamara wrote, “five simple steps that are complicated and imperfect but have helped me overcome my biggest life obstacle.”

She followed that with these steps:

“Step 1: Apply primer. As the base, primer preps my face for makeup much like my upbringing prepared me for my life. I grew up in the South Bronx in an overcrowded apartment. Sounds like a disaster, right? Except it was not. From what I remember, every day was full of fun memories… I had my mom. 

“Step 2: Perfect the brows. This is the most important step because it must be perfect, but it never is. When I was five years old, everything got screwed up…my mom died. 

“Step 3: Lay the foundation. My foundation creates a smooth, even color, but it was definitely off this time.…I never found the right place to call home. 

“Step 4: Correct with concealer…I concealed my grief and loneliness, pretending to be fine when I wasn't.

“Step 5: Add blush and highlighter…In 2022, I visited my mother’s grave and realized she would not want me to hide myself and my hurt. That day, I decided to brighten my life…When I finally started my grieving process, I noticed that I was just like her…assertive, outspoken, and smart. Just Like my highlighter, I became more confident and bold. I joined school activities like the student advisory board, the soccer team, and a mentorship program. I even became senior class president.” 

Teachers describe Tamara as a student with intelligence, patience and an “extraordinary work ethic”. A member of the National Honor Society, she has led the girls’ soccer team to the city championship match two years in a row. 

Her school counselor says, “Tamara has proven herself to be an irreplaceable source of advocacy and leadership in our school community.”

The teacher/mentor who has made the greatest difference in my life is Yessenia Crespo (Health Teacher/Peer Leader).  Ms. Crespo has been my biggest supporter since the first day I’ve met her, she motivated me to always be confident in who I am. She has been my cheerleader, mentor, and teacher all in one.