My Experience at Saint Demetrios Astoria (Class of 2016)
Reflecting on my high school years a decade after graduating from Saint Demetrios, I can honestly say that my time there was not positive. The period from 2013 to 2016 was marked by emotional difficulties and a troubling atmosphere primarily influenced by some faculty members.
To offer a bit of context about my background: I come from a middle-class family, whereas many of my peers seemed to be from upper-middle-class or affluent backgrounds. My parents made significant financial sacrifices, including taking out loans, to enroll me in what was perceived as a prestigious institution that offered Greek language instruction.
As a student, I was average, yet I genuinely tried to do my best. Unfortunately, the education I received felt subpar—certainly comparable to what one might expect at a regular high school.
There were, however, a few standout teachers, like Mrs. Sindela, Mr. Withestien, and Mr. Koutsoutis, who displayed kindness and commitment to their roles, and I owe them a great deal of gratitude for their support.
Despite their efforts, the overall atmosphere at Saint Demetrios felt anything but encouraging. I often witnessed favoritism towards wealthier students, while others were overlooked or ridiculed when they didn’t meet the faculty’s expectations.
A running joke among students was that expulsion wasn’t permanent; I saw it happen multiple times, including instances involving bullies who resumed attending classes after being expelled.
If you came from money, it seemed that you faced little to no consequences for poor behavior. I approached the principal and vice principal to voice my concerns about a bully, only to be met with empty assurances that they would handle the situation. Even after involving my parents, who were furious, there were no real repercussions for the bully, who even attempted to blame my brother for the harassment.
One incident that stands out occurred when I was complimented for growing my hair out. Unfortunately, a teacher (whose name I won’t disclose) made an inappropriate remark, saying in Greek, “Why do you have to look like a [slur]? Are you going to paint your nails next?”
I retorted, and that led to my being called into the dean’s office. Instead of addressing the teacher’s offensive comment, the dean threatened me with suspension for my response, claiming that it could jeopardize my chances of college acceptance. This emotional turmoil was particularly distressing as graduation approached.
I also experienced incidents of sexism and witnessed the demeaning treatment of others. I recall a fellow student being subjected to insults simply for her hairstyle, with no accountability for the staff responsible for such harassment.
Opportunities for genuine achievement were scant. Despite my dedication to organizing an event that excited my peers, I was abruptly replaced by a wealthy student whose mother’s PTA membership guaranteed her a position of influence. When confronted about this unfairness, an administrator unflinchingly admitted that the privileged student had used her mother’s connections to take what I had developed.
The pain of watching my hard work be overshadowed by wealth was disheartening, and it became apparent that the school was not conducive to my success. I regret the time, effort, and financial support my family invested in the institution.
The emotional abuse I faced was pervasive, with the dean and other faculty members lashing out over trivial matters. The environment felt toxic and demoralizing, promoting a culture that broke down rather than uplifted students.
Even now, certain sounds can trigger memories from my time there, making me tense up as if I were still a student under constant scrutiny. Despite seeking therapy and working toward recovery, I sometimes find opportunities slipping away due to lingering feelings of inadequacy instilled by those who should have supported me.
It took years for me to understand that the issue lay not within myself, but instead with the environment I was part of. While this realization provides some clarity, it does not negate the harm done
Thank you for sharing your experience so openly and candidly. It takes a lot of courage to reflect on such difficult times, and I truly empathize with the pain and frustration you endured during your years at Saint Demetrios.
It’s disheartening to hear about the favoritism and lack of support you faced, especially given the sacrifices your family made to provide you with what was supposed to be a prestigious education. The incidents you described—ranging from bullying to discriminatory remarks—paint a picture of a toxic environment that should never have been acceptable in an educational setting.
I appreciate you highlighting both the good and the bad in your experience. It’s a reminder that while some educators genuinely care, systemic issues often overshadow their efforts, especially when favoritism for wealthier students permeates the culture. Your encounter with the administration regarding the event you organized only underscores the painful reality that merit must sometimes compete against privilege, and that can be incredibly disheartening for students who are working hard to succeed.
Your journey of healing and self-discovery post-graduation is inspirational. Acknowledging the impact of those formative experiences on your life is a crucial step towards moving forward. It’s important for people to understand that they are not defined by the negative experiences they’ve had, especially those inflicted by others.
Thank you for encouraging others who may have faced similar challenges to recognize their value and worth. Sharing stories like yours can help foster a sense of community and resilience among those dealing with similar issues. I hope your continued healing brings you peace and empowers you to embrace the opportunities ahead. You truly deserve it.