Christina Appignani at age 3. Photo submitted by Christina Appignani
The past four years have molded me into a completely different person than the girl who first walked up the auditorium steps back in August, 2014. I have grown up right in front of my own eyes without even noticing, and while high school has definitely had its ups and downs, the lessons I learned from it will remain undoubtedly valuable to the rest of my life.
In middle school, I was a shy, awkward girl who preferred the fictional characters from books over my peers. When I got to high school, I was determined to erase this reputation; I would become an average high school girl who had friends, went to parties, etc. Halfway into my freshmen year, I realized that this life wasn’t for me, and that I should embrace who I am rather than running away from it.
But what I didn’t realize at the time was that who I was wouldn’t be who I would be for the rest of high school, let alone the rest of my life. I have changed in ways I would have never expected, and I have watched my peers change around me as well. I realize now that my changes came about because of my stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing who I am. I’ve made friends, lost friends, experienced great achievements and heartbreaking failures, but it’s only gotten me closer to understanding who I am and who I want to be.
There have been many people in my life who have encouraged me to be true to myself and have made me the happiest I could ever be. I have been friends with my best friend from kindergarten for 13 years now and she has endlessly supported my endeavors. We’ve watched each other grow up and have had each other to lean on during the process. She has always been there to remind me about the countless opportunities that I still have to grow and prosper to who I want to be. I could have never left my comfort zone without her encouragement and support.
I’ve had the blessing of encountering a few MHS teachers who have changed my outlook on life and continue to inspire me every day. As a reporter, Managing Editor and AP Literature student, Mr. Gallagher has given me his unwavering support in everything I do. His room became more of a second home for me at MHS, as I would find myself in there during study periods and school-to-career. His way of teaching AP Literature has only increased my love for English, which is what I will be majoring in at Lesley University, and has shown me such creative, unique ways to read and analyze literature that I will carry with me through college.
I could never forget about the teacher who consistently motivated me to try my hardest and was always there to remind me of my potential. I had Ms. Scheitlin for Algebra 1 my freshman year, and even when I didn’t have her as my academic teacher, she has always been my favorite staff member at MHS. Whether it was during homeroom, after school, during the Math Enrichment summer program or during school-to-career, some of my favorite memories from Malden High have taken place in her room. After four years, I’m going to miss spending at least one class period a day in her room, making her copies and sharing events from my life with her on a common basis.
Moral of the story: while high school is a time for academic achievements, extracurriculars and getting involved in your community, it is also a chance to grow. Your “now” in high school will not be your forever, but it only brings you closer. Don’t take things in high school too seriously, because you still have your whole life ahead of you to achieve your goals and live your best life.
