This spring, we say a bittersweet goodbye to our seniors who will be off to their next adventures! Angelica, a student at Preston High School and a Peter M. Flanigan Scholar, reflects on her journey and growth these past four years and looks to the opportunities that lie ahead.
Throughout her high school years, Angelica learned to balance her academics and extracurriculars, including gymnastics and cheerleading. As college acceptances continue to come in, Angelica is weighing her options and aims to study nursing and stay involved with cheerleading. She is also excited to be a camp counselor for three weeks this summer as well as start a position with a catering hall.
When asked about the impact of SSP during her time in high school, Angelica said that she was pushed to be at her "absolute best." She told us, "When there's no one else wanting it for you, it's a little hard . . . I did even better because [SSP] was rooting for me."
She mentioned how helpful it was to receive a text from the SSP team reminding her to complete the FAFSA application. Angelica said, "They believed in me – that impacted me to believe in myself – I'm a lot more confident because of that."
Angelica also opened up about school during quarantine and the lessons that came from taking time for herself. She said that with more time in her home, came more awareness and self care. This influenced her advice to SSP's incoming Class of 2026. Angelica advises them to: "care about your grades . . . when you feel pressure, just remember you don't have to do everything for everyone else," and always "be true to yourself."
We cannot wait to see Angelica continue to grow as an SSP alumna!
