Danielle Taylor is not only a former student, but a former colleague of mine(!). I taught Danielle at I.S. 162 back in 2002-2003. After graduating from Clinton High School and getting her Bachelor's Degree from John Jay College, she went on to work with young people with Directions For Our Youth (DFOY) at Van Nest Academy. I reacquainted myself with Danielle there, as that is where I work- small world! She did a fantastic job there, impacting students and making the most of her opportunities. She continues to work with young people today. We had a great conversation about her early years, growing up in the Bronx and taking the lessons of our pasts and making them work for us, and others, in the present and future.