Marcas' Viewpoint

Marcas, 16, joined at 13

-How do you decide what to do every day?

I kinda look around, think about what other people are doing and I’ll hang out with them, or if something comes up in my mind and we have the things to do that thing then I’ll do it. I don’t really do art projects but if I ever wanted to I’d go in the art room and see if we have the right supplies, which we have almost everything here. Or play a game in tech room, or go outside and hang out.

-What room do you think you spend the most time in?

All of them. I like hanging out with a lot of people, and since a lot of people hang out there later in the day I think the Big Room.

-What kinds of things do you ask staff members for?

I don’t really have a lot of questions for them but I like talking to them a lot, they’re really cool.

-What makes you excited to show up every day?

The people. And also it’s just a fun place to hang out every day to get away from home. Not that I don't like home, but it’s just a nice change in scenery.

-Besides DVS where do you go to learn?

I have some tutors for language and I also take a college class for Chinese.

-What are the differences and similarities between those places and DVS?

The differences are there’s no homework here, no classes at all. Some of the similarities is that they’re both ways to learn even if those ways are different but they’re both good ways.

-How would you describe the DVS way of learning?

Independently, and just focused on what the kids want.

-What’s something you’re working on improving at?

Learning different languages and also working on math with my aunt.

-What’s something you’d wanna tell someone who’s thinking about coming here?

That it’s a very fun school and you should definitely join because there’s a lot of cool people and it’s better than most, if not every, other place I’ve been to.

-Every other place period?

When it comes to schools yes.

-What are you thinking of doing after DVS?

Taking more classes at a community college, either Laney which is where I take my Chinese class, or another one, and I want to travel abroad to South Korea for a month.

-What will you do there?

Learn Korean and just experience the culture. I’d have a home stay so I’d stay with a family I think. I don’t know if it’s just two people or a big family but I’ll stay at someone's house.

-What is your experience with JC (Judicial Committee)?

Really fun. When I was a JC clerk it was fun to talk and share my opinions, and questioning people but respectfully so they don’t seem uncomfortable. And sharing ideas and listening.