Spotlight: The Winslow-Curtis Family
Learning Life is pleased to present this inaugural spotlight on families involved in our Citizen Diplomacy Initiative (CDI). The Winslow-Curtis Family, featured in the adjoining photograph, has been engaged with CDI since its inception in August 2016. Below, each participating Family member — the father, Adrian, older daughter, Samya, and younger daughter, Kaliah — tell us more about themselves and what they like about Learning Life.
Adrian:
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Washington DC.
What is your current and/or past line of work?
I have taught and performed dance and theater. I also have been a drug counselor, custodian, and restaurant worker.
Is there a life experience you have had that has particularly shaped you thus far?
Being a parent because you have to really put your children first and yourself first at the same time. It’s a roller coaster ride! You will never have anything to yourself, but it’s rewarding because you want them to have the most. It also sets a standard that pushes me to do better, do more, try again for them, even if I fail.
What do you like most about Learning Life?
The information I get about other cultures, eating right, things that help me with life.
What’s one experience you’ve had with Learning Life that has been particularly meaningful to you?
When we [CDI families in DC and Learning Life staff] went to the Senegalese restaurant [Chez Dior in Hyattsville, MD in February 2017]. Let’s start with the drinks. It was interesting to learn about the red drink [Senegalese bissap juice, made with hibiscus] that helped the community with certain ailments. The food followed certain traditions. It was good to see my kids eat things that they otherwise do not eat, like Senegalese fish, which had a different flavor they weren’t used.
Samya:
Where were you born, and how old are you now?
I was born in northwest Washington DC. I am seventeen years old.
What grade are you in, and what’s your favorite class in school?
I’m in 11th grade, and my favorite subjects are forensic science, trigonometry and AP English.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to cheer on my high school cheerleading team, I like to draw, watch TV, make slime, and cook with my little sister.
What would you like to be when you grow up?
I’m not sure, but I am interested in the Air Force, being a doctor (neurosurgeon or plastic surgeon), a forensic scientist, or a lawyer.
What do you like most about Learning Life?
I like that I get to explore the wider world and meet new people.
Kaliah:
Where were you born, and how old are you now?
I was born in 2009 in Washington DC. I am nine years old now.
What grade are you in, and what’s your favorite class in school?
I am in 3rd grade. My favorite classes in school are science and reading, but I like all my classes really.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to color on coloring sheets. I like watching “The Magic School Bus” and “Brain Child” on Netflix because they teach you about plants, animals, the Earth, the body, and how you digest food, bad germs and so on. I like to read adventure books too.
What would you like to be when you grow up?
I am not sure yet, but I think I would like to be a teacher, or a fitness trainer.
What do you like most about Learning Life?
It teaches you about different people, cities, and how people are different in their lives, places, their food, but they’re still the same as us because they are humans, not like other animals or plants.