The shift in a person’s demeanor is almost tangible when I tell them I attend Shorecrest Preparatory School–always resulting in my shock. I have found that many people outside these walls stereotype us and, to put it plainly, people tend to initially believe the students at Shorecrest are nothing more than spoiled, rich kids.
It’s easy for outsiders to paint their own picture of students at Shorecrest before getting the chance to know them. Our extravagant campus and costly tuition often spark judgement as its the main topic of conversation surrounding the stereotypes. However, this common misconception fails to appraise the meaningful reality of being a Shorecrest student and simply judges them based on assumption.
St. Pete Collegiate High School sophomore Kassidy Adams said, “When I think of the kids at [Shorecrest], the first thing that comes to mind is they are entitled and probably would like everything spoonfed to them.”
Making graceless presumptions like this about the students at Shorecrest is completely unfair and misleading and can damage the reputation of the school alone. US STEAM and Robotics Teacher Sarah Balisalisa said, “I think their impression changes when they get to know the students more personally, on a deeper level, and they recognize maybe what they thought isn’t [true].”
We are so much more than what is seen on the surface. It goes without saying that the students here radiate brilliance and enthusiasm each day they come to school, excited to learn with a curriculum that commends dedication and an aspiration for academics. From shadowing surgeries to coding programs, students show their unique talents, intelligence, drive, and skills on a regular basis.
Although this is truly who Shorecrest students are, our personalities and actions are not visible at first to those who judge us because of what our economic background might be or because of the circumstances we are beyond fortunate to be in.
Faculty like US English Department Chair Jake Seymour wish people wouldn’t be so quick to create false accusations. “It’s the misconception that [the students aren’t] deep, that everything’s shallow and about money and appearance, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” he said.
What people aren’t understanding is that there’s a difference between having privilege and being spoiled. Shorecrest scholars have privilege and use their opportunities in the most positive way. Students take initiative in the world outside of school. Seymour pointed out that Service Week was started by students as a way for kids who care to make an impact. When thinking about privilege, it shouldn’t be automatically correlated to being spoiled.
Shorecrest students can do something to help combat the negative stereotypes, and the answer is in our core values: responsibility, integrity, respect, compassion, and knowledge. All members of the Shorecrest community must embody these principles in and outside of school. Most students are already on their way to doing this. Sophomore Bobbie Strus has volunteered in events like the Special Olympics to support the community. By giving back to the community, students create a domino effect of positivity and contribute to the well-being of others, which is what being part of Shorecrest is all about.
People don’t take the time to genuinely educate themselves on how impactful Shorecrest students are. The overlooked truth of Shorecrest kids is that it takes a lot to be a student, especially at a place like Shorecrest. Being held to extremely high expectations and hearing stereotypes about us day after day makes it hard sometimes to be a student here. But, because we have resilience and the strength to build each other up, those stereotypes and inconsiderate comments are the least of our worries.
When asked how we as a school can better address stereotypes, Seymour and Balisalisa both said partaking in activities such as community service can help the school beat negative stereotypes and create new positive ones.
Shorecrest provides a sense of family. It’s like a second home. Shorecrest’s environment makes people feel comfortable and secure. Seymour said, “This is the safest place to be so that you can be your authentic self.” Now, we need to help people on the outside see that about us.
