-
Adopting My First Dog!
On my twelfth birthday, my parents had asked my siblings and I to climb into the car. I assumed it was just a surprise birthday lunch. We drove for nearly an hour, and pulled into the parking lot of a random diner. There, two women came out of the car parked next to us and began speaking with my parents, having them sign papers and leaving my siblings and I in utter confusion. Little did I know that just a few seconds later, my best friend would be laying in my arms for the rest of the day. -
Sticking With My Community Service
In September of my freshman year, I joined a program called the Putnam County Youth Court. I hated it, I didn't want to go, and every Wednesday I'd sob to my parents. My mom eventually reached out and emailed Barbara Reitz, the woman who ran the program. She responded and offered me a position as her personal assistant as long as I stayed. I ended up sticking with it through the graduation, and I still go to this day! -
Chief Board
I've been putting 110% effort into NJROTC since I joined during my freshman year. At the end of my sophomore year, I was able to take my chief board! It was terrifying, I remember shaking as my uniform was inspected, and stuttering while answering military knowledge questions. In the end, I had to be confident in myself. I studied hard for weeks, and tried my best. I knew what I was doing, I just had to be confident. I stood up straight and confidently faced my fate. I passed and ranked up! -
Punta Cana
Last summer I went out of the country to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was the second time I've been there, but this time I was older and wanted to explore more. I spent more time learning about the music and cultures there, as well as the different animals that are more commonly seen down there. I loved all of the adventures I went on, and I loved learning and experiencing new lifestyles. -
My First Real Job
After sitting for an interview with the managers at Buffalo Wild Wings in Danbury, I was shaking. I wanted and needed the job. The interview had seemed to go well, and my friend who worked there had put in a good word for me. I was so young and nervous, that I wasn't sure they'd find me fit for the job. At the end of the interview, I was hired, and to this day I still work there part-time. -
The Big Competition
For nearly four months I filled my time with countless practice sessions to prepare myself for this national competition in Washington, D.C. I was first chair violist, after all. I had to know what I was playing. As I sat on the stage playing, I heard the other two violists gradually become quieter. Without the solo parts that we had, there was no way the orchestra would stand out. I had to get over my insane stage fright in that moment, and played as loud as I could. We won first place! -
My Most Confident Performance
I've always been afraid to play my instrument in front of people, with all eyes on me. During this mini concert for our school district's orchestras, I stood in front of a crowd with my friend Rachael and played two duets confidently. I messed up during one of them, but I managed to just laugh it off without panicking. It was a sign to me that I was slowly getting over my anxiety, one step at a time. -
Beach Trip with Friends!
In June, my close-knit group of friends all hopped into our friend Kait's car around 8am, and hit the road. We were on our way to Jones Beach for our first official girls' beach day. I may have gotten sun poisoning afterwards, but we got some cute pictures together before our friend Elyse went up to college. Day well spent! -
My First Warped Tour
My friend Erik, his brother Greg, and his friend Blake pulled into my driveway early that Sunday morning. My boyfriend and I climbed into the car, and we all made our way to the Xfinity theater in Hartford. I ended up having an amazing time, and I met the lead singer from one of my favorite bands. Caleb Shomo from Beartooth! I was so happy, and he actually took a picture with me!! -
Touring Northeastern University
Being someone who basically grew up in Boston, I'm a natural city girl. Ever since I was younger, I would always pass by the Northeastern campus and wish I could go there. For years I doubted my ability to get in, but this summer I regained my courage and decided to apply to my dream school. I was in Boston and ended up touring (and loving!) the campus, even though I was terrified! I wasn't sure what to expect, but it's everything I've dreamed of and more.
