Jaime

One day, I’ll be famous. Maybe just 'New York famous,' but still.

By Students of NYC

November 22^nd, 2024

"You can call me Jaime. I’ve suffered from five surgeries. In the leg, the neck, the head, the stomach. And in the back. I have something called spina bifida. And I have another surgery scheduled for February. Feb. 2. It’s for my kidney, because it’s not working right. I’ve experienced a lot of pain, because, you know — it’s my body.

I’m a songwriter. And I sing. One day, I’ll be famous. Maybe just New York famous, but still. I was one of the leads in the play here last year, 'Fame, Jr.' I’m not that good of a dancer; I’m more of a singing type of guy. I write my own music, do my own songs. You can hear them on YouTube. I use an app called Band Lab. Can I show you? Mostly, I do love songs. I have a girlfriend. She’s nice, and sweet. She understands my pain. Since I have her, I’ve mostly been happy. Today at lunch, we’re going to write a song together.

It’s my senior year. I’m going to miss this school. I love all my teachers. Ms. Sue, my physical therapist here. I’m going to miss the way she treats me — like she’s the mom I never had. Ms. Kelly, my gym teacher, she helped me campaign to become class president. She helped print my flyers and hang them up all over. That’s another thing about me. I’m president of this school. I have a lot of ideas. We are going to do a survey, so we can find out what everyone would like to see. Like morning music, fundraisers for the school store.

Growing up, I never really had a mom. She kind of gave me up to an adopted family when I was a baby. It’s not good, but I had no choice. I couldn’t speak for myself. So in my childhood, I was a difficult kid. I used to get into fights, trouble, stuff like that. Now, my aunt takes care of me. She's going to adopt me. My grandpa always said, 'Make friends, and keep them like family.' That’s what I do now."