Mackenzie Joseph’s career interests have evolved over the years, but the Huntington High School senior is now very comfortable with where she is headed and what she wants to study in college.
Ms. Joseph came to Huntington UFSD as a seventh grader after earlier attending school in South Huntington. She has stayed close with many of her elementary school friends, but fellow Huntington senior Emma Grassi is another valued person in the teenager’s life.
Ms. Joseph has filed 31 college applications and she’s been accepted by 12 schools so far. “I know, I’m crazy, right?” she joked. The senior has accumulated over $650,000 in scholarships from those dozen colleges.
“I switched from wanting to be an astronaut to a cardiologist and then this year I finalized my decision on wanting to pursue business,” Ms. Joseph said.
Ms. Joseph’s academic schedule includes classes in Advanced Placement Psychology, AP English Literature and Composition AP Environmental Science, AP Government and Politics, Science Research, Calculus, Project Adventure and Symphony Orchestra
The teenager’s favorite Huntington teachers have been Michael Graziano, Steven Kroll, Michael Schwendemann, Thomas Tantillo, Camille Tedeschi, Maria Gonzalez, Dame Forbes and Lori Kenny.
Ms. Joseph leads a very busy life. She participated in six clubs and earned varsity letters with the Blue Devil track and volleyball teams. This year she is participating in the town’s youth court program, tutoring a six year old and a nine year old two days a week and working Monday through Friday from 2:45-7:30 p.m. She babysits overnight from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. “I also run my own e-commerce business that I opened up last year in late June,” she said.
The senior has gained a lot of experience over the years and she has advice for incoming high school freshmen. “Please try to decide on your major for college early on so that you can take courses and immerse yourself within clubs that show your interests and dedication to that specific major/profession,” Ms. Joseph said.
The teenager expects to finalize her college plans within the next month. Regardless of which school she ultimately decides to attend, Ms. Joseph will be keeping busy right through to graduation and beyond.
“Huntington High School has been an overall great experience,” Mr. Joseph said. “I love the relationships I’ve built over the years with my friends and teachers and other faculty members.”