Freshman year

Entering Miami High, I was a wide-eyed and curious baby Sting. I was only fourteen and unable to comprehend the magnitude of what the next four years would mean in the bigger picture of my life. I can vividly remember entering the grand doors at the front of the school with a few of my friends and being not only nervous, but also excited. This was the year I met the most impactful people in my life today such as Dr. Hueck, Ms. Puentes, and Ms. Fernandini.

Had it not been for Dr. Hueck, my first teacher here at Miami High, putting a BETA application on my desk the second class I had with him, I would likely not be as involved as I am today. My freshman year I joined all the clubs I wanted such as FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), BETA National Honor Society, and NHS (National Honor Society). I also became an SGA Senator, FBLA Vice-President, and my Class President with the guidance and encouragement of Dr. Hueck and SGA advisor Ms. Puentes. I also received the Freshman of the Year award, something I was able to accomplish with the work ethic my 9^th grade English teacher Ms. Fernandini helped me to develop. My freshman year truly was the blueprint for how the next three years of my life would go.

Sophomore year

   Sophomore year was an odd year for me. While it was great, it was also hectic and overwhelming. It was the year in which my job as Class President was just beginning, and my academic career was truly taking off. This was the year when I began to come out of my shell and become more confident in myself. While sophomore year was hectic, it was full of some of the most rewarding experiences of my life, such as my service at the City of Hialeah Parks and being recognized as Sophomore of the Year.

It was also the year I began to challenge myself with my first Advanced Placement class, AP Capstone: Seminar. While the class was at times challenging, it was one of the most engaging APs I have ever taken. As a 10^th grader I was introduced to one of the greatest teachers I have ever had, Dr. DeNight for AP Seminar; one of my greatest supporters, former English teacher Ms. Delicata; and one of the greatest advisors I have ever had, Sophomore Board advisor Ms. G.

Junior year

While others often describe Junior year as the worst year of their lives, it was the highlight of my time at Miami High. While it was full of so many trials and tribulations, it was also an awakening for me.

Towards the end of my Junior year, I began to feel unmotivated, unhappy, and overall exhausted. Considering everything that was on my plate at the time, that should not have been surprising. Besides being my Class President and being in all Honors courses, I was taking three of the most rigorous AP classes in the school: AP Capstone Research, AP Psychology, and AP English Language and Composition.

It wasn’t until I attended FBLA state competition and listened to the words of Ben Glenn, a motivational speaker, that I realized what was going on. After years of devoting myself to my academics and school activities, I was burnt out. This changed my perspective on life as I realized that to continue to devote myself to everything as much as I did, I had to put myself first.

Despite all that I went through Junior year, I would not trade it for anything. It was the year I created some of the best memories, ones that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I look back on my Junior year so grateful to have experienced the immense growth I did. Some of my favorite memories include planning Homecoming with my fellow officers, the Junior ring ceremony, the Junior College Trip, and FBLA state competition, and the countless hours spent with friends. At the end of Junior year, I was honored with the Yale Book award, which I cherish for its symbolism.

Senior year

   Everyone says that Senior year is the best year of your high school experience and that you should enjoy it while it lasts; however, my Senior year was quite the opposite. If I am being completely candid, it was quite unpleasant. While I cannot get into the details of why it was, a lot of it had to do with the college process, being Senior Class President, and other factors that made my life extremely stressful. While the trials of Senior year made enjoying my last year difficult, I am grateful for what I have learned.

Despite anything that has happened Senior year, I still love Miami High with my entire heart. Also, there were some redeemable qualities of my 12^th grade, such as the memories I made with my friends at many Senior activities, winning Homecoming princess, the bonds that I formed with some people, and all my college acceptances. One of the biggest highlights would have to be joining newspaper, a class I had been wanting since before I even entered Miami High.

My final words to Miami High

I am forever grateful to have attended Miami High and to soon call myself an alumna. To all the teachers I have had and my advisors, thank you for your impact in my life and for all your support.

To Ms. Puentes, thank you for all that you do and have done for me. I would not be the student, leader, or person I am today had it not been for your impact in my life. Having your constant support and faith has been a blessing. You are like a second mother to me.

To Dr. DeNight, thank you for believing in me as much as you do. Had it not been for your constant push to be better, I would likely not be the student I am today. I hope to make you proud.

To my fellow officers, I will forever cherish the memories we shared and bonds we made. Thank you for your constant support and help in everything. I love you all.

To Miami High, thank you for molding me into the individual I am today. I hope to one day give back to the Miami High community that has given me so much.

To the Class of 2019, although this chapter in our lives is ending, a new one is just beginning. Cherish these memories as you venture out into the world.  Work hard and do what you love as this is your time, but most importantly do not forget where you came from: once a Sting always a Sting.