Interview with Merrick Preparatory School Alum, Deren Toredi
Deren, an alumna of Merrick Preparatory School, shared her appreciation of the strong sense of community at the school, the supportive staff, the lifelong friendships, and the welcoming environment that helped her grow personally and academically, ultimately securing a university scholarship.
Highlights from the interview
Merrick felt like home, because we were always together, and there's always staff taking care of you or just there for you. I don't remember feeling homesick. And I always liked it when I went for Christmas breaks back home. I was so eager to go back and see my friends and then see the teachers because I love the school and I love the people there. Everyone was so nice to me because otherwise, I don't think I would be happy there. So everyone was really nice and it felt like home. That's the thing. It was very cozy even in the place and everything.
The town is small and people are very nice to each other in the school and around the town. It's very safe. The teachers and staff are very supportive. That's why I was able to improve my English a lot. One of my teachers helped me with my applications so that I could get into a university. Everyone is there and working so hard for us.
I didn't even think that I would get into any universities, but I even got a scholarship that was $64,000. So I'm so thankful for Merrick. The teachers at Merrick would do everything they can to help students.
I can’t think of anything that I would want to change about Merrick. It’s a small school, but I liked it. I just miss those days more and more every day. I wish I could go back or study one more year. I can't think of anything that I would change, because I love Merrick. I love its location. It’s very safe. And I miss finishing the school day and then going out to get some ice cream and just walk around the town.
I'm really appreciative of the friendships that I made there. I made lifelong friends, and I even went to Mexico just to see one of the friends from Merrick. It's friendly, the students there were really nice and everyone is in the same boat. People weren't distant. People were very warm and things like that. The community, I guess, because everyone was very supportive. When we have problems, someone is always there for us.
