To say that it feels surreal that I am a senior who is about to walk across the stage, is an understatement. Four short years ago, I walked through the doors of JCHS for the first time with a way too heavy backpack and even bigger
dreams. I now walk out of JCHS with tons of memories that I will never forget.
As an entering freshman, back into regular schooling and routine after being out of school for over a year due to COVID, it was difficult for each and every person to adjust; even teachers. However, I used that to my advantage and tried my hardest to do my absolute best on all of my assignments, and that worked out extremely well for me. Yet, when sophomore year rolled around, I did not know that I was in for the worst. I struggled extremely hard with two of my classes and that affected my performance in my other classes, and to top it all off, I was suffering with personal issues. I did not think the year could end quick enough. Sophomore year caused me a huge setback in both my overall grades and GPA, but also the way that I felt about myself. As someone who takes academic validation very seriously, this was in my mind, the worst thing that could have happened.
Towards the end of sophomore year, I was determined to step out of my comfort zone and get myself out of the funk that I had been in for the last year. From the recommendation of my friend, I decided to try out being a lifeguard at Camp Fatima of NJ. Camp Fatima of NJ is a non profit organization for those with mental and physical disabilities. Camp Fatima is single handedly the best thing that has ever happened to me. At first, I felt very out of place and discouraged, but I grew to love it and it has changed my life forever. I returned for my second year during the summer leading up to my senior year. This year at camp was the most mind altering experience and eye opener to me about what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing. I came home from camp and told my parents that I was sure that I wanted to be a special education teacher. Though they were shocked, they knew this was something that I
would be great at.
Junior year was everything sophomore year wasn’t. I made up for all the bad grades I got and I had the time of my life with all my friends and family.
Now, as I stand on the edge of the stage as a Class of 2025 graduate, I can confidently say that time flies when you’re having fun. I feel like all I did was blink and suddenly, everything came to an end. One of the biggest milestones someone can reach. Senior Year was everything I imagined and more, I shared some of my best memories with my friends and family, I had amazing grades and most of all, I got the true high school experience, like the one you see in movies. Although it is extremely bittersweet that this chapter of my life is coming to an end, I cannot wait for the things that I have ahead of me.
High school is nothing short of fun but also nothing short of weird. There are moments that feel like all the movies you watch; pep rallies, football games, prom and even just hanging out with your friends. Yet, there are many days that you spend wishing the day would just be over; the stress of assignments piling up, drama with your friends, or figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life. But sure, it’s also like that in the real world too, right?
One of my biggest takeaways from high school is that the hardest things about it are the friend groups and cliques that you encounter. Friends are probably one of the hardest things that I came across in high school because I felt like I didn’t fit in or I felt like people did not like me. When you feel all alone and like you don’t have friends, it impacts every other aspect of your life. As time went on there were numerous people that I got close with and would not wish it went any other way. The same people that you walk into high school with may not be the same people that you walk out with, and that is okay!
I learned that the most important thing about high school is to make sure that you get involved, whether it is a club or a sport or even something different! Throughout my high school years, I played girls’ lacrosse where I met some of my best friends and learned some of the most important lessons from my coaches that I would not have learned otherwise.
To close this chapter of my life, I wanted to share the most significant lesson that Coach Giampino taught her players during my senior year lacrosse season. “It isn’t about how you start, it’s about how you finish,” And to me, these words mean so much more than their intended use of being on the lacrosse field.
As I reflect on the last four years, of course I have regrets, but I also am able to reminisce about all my accomplishments and all the things that I did well.
When a chapter ends, it means a new one is beginning. Congratulations to all my fellow peers in the Class of 2025, and best of luck to everyone starting or is in their current chapter.
Thank you to all my friends, family, teachers and mentors that have guided me throughout this journey and helped me grow into the strong person I am today. Some special shoutouts to my whole family, Sue Cal, Lina LaScala, Haven Miscia, Mya Cornet, Luke Fierro and Luke Siegel!
