Alumni Spotlight
Carmen Corbie ’94: “Believe That You Can Achieve Greatness”
Venezuela native Carmen Corbie, English High School Class of ‘94, served on the English High School Association Board of Directors as a way to give back.
She admits she didn’t think much of herself growing up in Caracas, but she attributes a more positive attitude and much of her career success, and community involvement to her four years at EHS.
“During high school,” she says, “I played volleyball and basketball and participated in student government. My experience inspired me to become an educator.” After high school, Carmen earned a double major B. A. in English and Education and a master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy.
Asked how English High helped her with her goals, career and life, she replied, “I worked closely with my guidance counselor who helped me draft college essays and write scholarship applications. His feedback helped develop my creative writing skills.
“An English science teacher introduced me to Harvard University’s Project Success program which enabled me to participate in a paid internship and work closely with female doctors of color, completing research in Harvard and local hospital labs. While at Project Success, I earned a college scholarship and met role models who encouraged me to reach my full potential.
“Science teacher Ms. Shields was a positive example of a devoted teacher. She shaped my own style of teaching. Sid Smith, former English High Head of School, also serves as a current mentor. I have a number of EHS lifelong friends who entered the field of Education. I have served as an Administrator for over 23 years and I owe much of my success to their support. I am now able to give back to my community in the same way that I was blessed.”
Carmen Corbie ’94, led the planning of a 30-year reunion for her class. The event, held on April 13 featured delicious food and beverages combined with great music and camaraderie to make it a memorable get-together.
By night, Carmen directs local plays focused on women’s issues to raise funds for New Beginnings Re-Entry Services, an organization that provides therapeutic services and job training skills to women recently released from prison. She also serves on their board.
Carmen has earned an M. A. in Expressive Arts Therapy “which draws me to the arts and therapeutic interventions.” She explains, “My intention is to explore the therapeutic arts more as a profession. I also host Black Author tribute nights at the Haley House Cafe and Bakery of Roxbury which supports people involved in the justice system. For fun, I run 5K races to raise funds for local organizations such as Dimmock Health Center and Boston Public Schools.
It’s important for Carmen to give back to the community where she grew up: “Growing up in Boston during the 80s and 90s, I witnessed a lot of violence and the negative impact poverty had on my community and schools. School was a safe haven that granted me opportunities to develop my self-image and creative skills. I give back to my community to ensure a brighter future for the younger generation. My classmates and I have done very well for ourselves and over the years so it’s natural to give back. English has the capability to be one of the strongest and far-reaching high school-based networks in North America. Often success is not built on what you know but who you know. Let’s combine our talents, ‘good looks,’ and connection to leave a lasting legacy!”
She continues, “With strong leadership and contributions, English High is offering a quality education that prepares students for successful careers and a bright future. I encourage them to utilize all of the resources our network has to offer. Meanwhile, the older generation looks to you to keep our torch burning brightly. We have sacrificed time and effort to ensure that you receive the services and support that you deserve. Our only ‘ask’ is that you choose to help us give back to our community. As one of my favorite authors, Alice Walker, stated, “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”
But what is Carmen’s most important accomplishment? She is the proud mother of two college students who “make me, oh, so happy!”
