Lianette Gonzalez is enjoying her exploration of photography. The Huntington High School junior is learning the skills and techniques inherent in taking great photos. She’s working closely with art teacher Pamela Piffard-Williams and steadily advanced in her knowledge and abilities.
“I’ve always enjoyed taking photos,” Ms. Gonzalez said. “I like how when you take a photo, it’s always different depending on who’s taking it. You can take a photo of literally anything and it reflects the person and their interests. It’s also a way to document and capture your memories and feelings within a single photo and you’re able to just look back at it and reminisce.”
Huntington junior Lianette Gonzalez.
Ms. Gonzalez used her cellphone for a recent photoshoot on the shores of Huntington and the result was dramatic. The photo has been praised by Mrs. Piffard-Williams.
“ I’d say photography is definitely one of the courses that interest me the most right now, but other than that it’d probably be United States History,” Ms. Gonzalez said. “A teacher I look forward to working with would be Mrs. [Lauren] Desiderio because she teaches psychology and that is a class I’m particularly looking forward to taking.”
Ms. Gonzalez is interested in volunteering and giving back to the community. She also hopes to participate in the high school’s Grandfriends club and help promote that organization’s bridge-building activities.
“Some of my closest friends are Kelly Granados, Joselyn Garay and Fiorella Benitez,” the teenager said. “I’d also say all of my teachers have really been helpful, but I don’t necessarily have a teacher who I’m close with. There’s been a few teachers that have stood out to me over the years. These teachers have helped make me feel included and comfortable in class.”
Ms. Gonzalez’s advice to incoming freshmen? “Don’t stress out too much,” she said. “As long as you try your best and give it your all, you’ll do good and you will still have time to figure out what you want to do in life. Make sure to stay organized and put yourself out there and get involved.”
The junior said she is “still looking at my options and don’t have a college that piques my interest yet.” She is contemplating studying psychology.
“My overall experience in Huntington has been good and I feel I’ve learned a lot through the years and grown as a person,” Ms. Gonzalez said.