If you ask his teachers what stands out about Nacere, they’ll tell you the same thing: he’s growing into a thoughtful, engaged, genuinely curious young man. This year especially, they’ve watched him step more confidently into his academics — asking sharper questions, joining discussions with his whole heart, and putting real effort behind every project he turns in.
His Old Testament teacher describes him as someone with “a gift” for seeing multiple sides of an argument. His Spanish teacher celebrates his consistent participation and curiosity. In subjects from Government to Chemistry to English, teachers note the same themes: good humor, eagerness, growing focus, and a willingness to push himself.
Taken together, they paint a picture of a senior who is not only learning — but becoming.
Here’s more of Nacere’s story, in his own words.
What are your favorite subjects in school?
I would say math and Spanish. I’ve liked math since I was little, and I just think it’s something that gets me thinking. And then Spanish, since I’m Cuban and Panamanian, so I also like learning different things. And I feel like that’s something I wanted to learn due to me wanting to connect with my culture.
What has been your favorite extracurricular activity in high school?
I don’t know if I really have one.
In what ways have you changed the most between the start of your 9th-grade year and now being in your final year of high school?
I would say definitely studying more and being more careful. And when I say careful more so, like my work wise, and not rushing through a lot. I definitely used to rush when it came down to that. But other than that, I think I’ve been more focused and been better at studying.
What has been the best part of attending Trinity?
I would say the people. It’s great bonds there, especially with the teachers. You actually get to know the teachers personally and they get to know you personally, especially when it comes down to the work. So they get to know you and how you think and what affects you and what doesn’t. So, they find things that can help you improve and make you better as a human.
What has been the most challenging thing about high school? Did UP RVA help you at all in overcoming that challenge? If so, how?
I would probably say breaking out of my shell, so actually doing things that I wouldn’t do if I went to a different school. Like meeting new people or asking questions – I never really liked asking questions. But I definitely say UP RVA did help me a lot with that, because they tell you to try and say yes to everything. So me saying yes to different things, it opened up opportunities for me, and also built a skill for me not being afraid to ask questions, especially when I need it.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still be a part of UP RVA? Why?
Yes, without a doubt, I think I’ve met a lot of people who are still helping me now. I built a bond with somebody who used to work at UP RVA, who if I was to text her right now, she would pick up the phone, no doubt, and she would help me with whatever I need, whether that was emotional support or I need to help with work. UP RVA, they provide a lot of different things that I would say you can’t really find anywhere. And I think without this program, I wouldn’t be where I’m at and I would have to go to a different school or a different public school.
What are the 2 or 3 things you want people to know about how UP RVA helps its students?
I would say UP RVA helps when it comes down to building skills for school and building skills for life. They prepare you a lot and make sure you stay on task, and help you build different skills, whether it’s for school or the outside world.
-Nacere Hart
