It’s never too soon to consider possible career choices. Just ask Emely Cruz. The Huntington High School sophomore is already pondering several potential directions in which to take her life.
A thoughtful and all-around impressive young woman, Ms. Cruz is excelling academically. She earned a spot on Huntington High School’s High Honor Roll. The teenager has a full schedule of classes to keep her busy.
“I really take an interest in all of the courses that I am currently involved in,” Ms. Cruz said. “I do find Spanish V Honors and Advanced Placement Computer Science to be very informational, occasionally challenging, but with the various benefits like communicating with others in different languages and the different opportunities offered.”
A member of the Huntington Blue Devil marching band’s color guard unit, Ms. Cruz is also athletic. She competed this winter on the varsity fencing team. She has been inducted into the Spanish Honor Society.
Ms. Cruz volunteers with the Huntington Community First Aid Squad’s Explorer Post 215. “I participate with a group of high school students where we study and learn more about different medical situations, proper medical terminology and the emergency medical services provided to the people of our community,” she said. “In this program, I really hope to advance and one day be able to serve back to the community.”
The sophomore is trusted by her classmates and highly regarded by everyone around the high school building. “One of my closest friends is Molly Heffernan who has helped me build my confidence and has brought more positivity and support to my life,” Ms. Cruz said.
The teenager has been fortunate to have enjoyed many happy and fruitful relationships with her teachers over the years.
“I remember my third grade teacher at Jefferson School, Mrs. [Luz] Marotta to be someone who stood out to me mainly because of the way she taught my class with what she would always say was ‘tough love,’” Ms. Cruz said. “She would teach us how to work responsibly and motivate us to actually do our homework. Even though the work at times was difficult, I understand now that it was given to me and my classmates with care.”
Ms. Cruz’ advice to incoming freshmen? “I would say that joining clubs, sports and other activities is a great way to make friends and become familiar with the people of Huntington High School,” she said. “It is also very important to take mental and physical breaks when necessary, especially when being put under a lot of pressure.”
The teenager has been carefully cultivating her academic and career interests and quietly reflecting on what the future might hold.
“Some colleges that I am interested in are Stony Brook University, Syracuse University and Farmingdale State College,” Ms. Cruz said. “I am really interested in the medical field and forensic science as one of my possible career choices and possibly a profession related to computer science.”
The sophomore attended pre-kindergarten at St. Hugh of Lincoln Church and began her trek through Huntington UFSD as a Jefferson Primary School kindergartener.
“So far my experience at Huntington High School has been very great, especially with the many new people I have met so far,” Ms. Cruz said.