Teens Promise Big Things
Asked to fill out an informal survey, seven of our county’s top-performing high-school students show that when it comes to accomplishments, they're just getting started.
Get those “Grodman ’56” buttons ready! True, the filing deadlines for the 2056 presidential primaries are still a good way off, but a current Monmouth teen just may win the big prize in that future year, especially if she launches her campaign with a dynamite appearance on Mornings With Max. (See page 25.) When seven high schoolers recently shared their views and hopes with MONMOUTH in an informal survey, they proved to be smart (one is even named Smart) and to have large aspirations indeed. (Another actually multi-tasks when she relaxes!) Will all their dreams come true? Only future decades will tell. But you can find out what they’re thinking simply by reading their words on the following pages.
• JULIA GANCI, SAINT JOHN VIANNEY HIGH, HOLMDEL:
“I am a curious, motivated 16-year-old who loves to use my experiences and skills to initiate positive change. My interests include birdwatching, hiking and creating art. I am a dedicated student and musician.”
Dream job? “To work as an engineer for NASA and make music in my free time. The recent Artemis II mission rekindled my interest in working in aerospace engineering, and I’m eager to study a field where there is so much knowledge to be discovered.”
Role model? “I look up to my dad because he is creative and resourceful, and he seems to have the answer to any problem. My younger cousin is also my role model because he loves learning and isn’t afraid to try new things.”
How activities are prioritized: “Learning always comes first, whether in the form of schoolwork, teaching myself a new instrument or researching something that interests me. Academics are my priority, but I value the time spent working on other endeavors because those experiences help me learn in a way studying does not. I love creating art, from playing piano to painting to crocheting.”
Favorite way to unwind? “Sit outside with my binoculars, a good book and a snack, then attempt to read, look for birds and eat simultaneously. Put that way, it doesn’t sound particularly relaxing, but it’s one of my favorite ways to experience the things I love.”
A skill you wish high school taught? “I draw a blank with this question. It would be nice to be handed a formula for handling the situations that give you butterflies and make your heart pound, but I’ve found that my school has taught me how to navigate unfamiliar territory and feel confident even when I don’t know the road ahead by heart.”
Advice for incoming freshmen? “Step outside your comfort zone. Talk to people outside your usual social circles, talk to your teachers after class, join a club even if your friends don’t want to, take a class in something you’re not sure you’ll like. Along with that, don’t be afraid to be a beginner. It can be uncomfortable to start something new, but it’s the only way to grow.”
• MAX ESTRADA, COMMUNICATIONS HIGH, WALL TOWNSHIP:
“I’m a 17-year-old who is part of the student government council-I love being a leader. I play varsity rugby, swimming and tennis while also working three jobs during the school year. I am very passionate about TV and radio and have won film competitions with my friends.”
Dream job? “Iwant to be the host of a radio or TV morning show.”
Role model? “Personally, I don’t have any. I try to be very self-motivated. When I wake up in the morning, I strive to be the best person I can be no matter who is doing ‘better’ in life.”
How activities are prioritized: “| have a lot of things on my plate, and I think creating a to-do list and making sure you manage your time correctly is very important. If you create a routine at the start of high school that works for you, it is a lot easier to balance everything, because schoolwork should always come first.”
Favorite way to unwind? “Playing sports with my friends and hanging out outside. I also spend time alone, decompressing. Recovery is the most important thing in a busy lifestyle.”
A skill you wish high school taught? “More economics, especially about investing your money and the difference between different types of bank accounts.”
Advice for incoming freshmen? “Establish study methods and a routine early in your high-school career, because once you find something that works for you, your life becomes so much easier. You’ll be able to participate in the extracurriculars you want without sacrificing your academics.”
• ZACHARY ERBE, COMMUNICATIONS HIGH, WALL TOWNSHIP:
“Since Iwas a freshman, I’ve been following my passion in photography and social media, two things that I utilize every day. I’m 17 now, and when I’m not taking pictures or advertising a new event on social media, I’m most likely in the Dunkin’ drive-thru or playing pickleball with my friends.”
Dream job? “To work somewhere that allows me to use social media. I’ve discovered a passion for it and how it’s used in today’s society. Rather than doomscrolling on TikTok, or just watching my favorite influencers, I’m interested in using it to advertise events, make announcements and capture the attention of consumers.”
Role model? “An alumna from my school, Aki Sykes. As I began to grow as a photographer, Aki guided me and gave me tips on my work. I’ve always admired her art. Once she graduated, she kept giving me guidance and reassurance, and I blossomed. My skills as a photographer have grown tremendously, as has my confidence. I’m so thankful to have her as a mentor.”
How activities are prioritized: “I make an active effort to put time aside during the day and focus on academics. I always make sure that I’m keeping up with that first. But in the past, I didn’t even realize I needed a break until my body started going numb from how stressed I was.”
Favorite way to unwind? “Hang out with my friends. Whether it’s going to see a movie or just staying in, I always make sure to spend time with them. My academic life is extremely important, but I consider my social life is just as important.’
A skill you wish high school taught? “How to give myself a break when I need it. School gets really busy sometimes, and when it does, I forget to leave time for myself.”
Advice for incoming freshmen? “Live in the moment. When people say high school flies by, it truly does. I can’t even believe that I’m entering my senior year. I wish I still had a couple more years with my friends before we all separate in college.”
• SOFIE GRODMAN, COMMUNICATIONS HIGH, WALL TOWNSHIP:
“I am 17 and work in a hardware store. I love learning new things, student leadership and acting. In my free time,you will either find me working, babysitting or getting involved in a school club.”
Dream job? “Since I was 7, I’ve wanted to be President of the United States. Around that time, I memorized all the U.S.A. presidents, and decided that my name had to be on the list. However, I’m also superinterested in television production, and would love to be a technical director for televised professional sports games.
Role model? “My role model is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was the second woman on the Supreme Court and, more importantly to me, she was the first Jewish woman on the Supreme Court. I’m very proud of my religion, and she showed me that Jewish women can do anything they set their hearts on.”
How activities are prioritized: “Iutilize my assignment tracker, my notes app and my clock app to balance everything. I use the assignment tracker to write down all my school assignments, organized by class, due date and level of difficulty. Then I’ll use my notes app to write down all my extracurricular responsibilities, whether that be a reminder to finish up the program for our student-run drama club or writing down what stores I need to reach out to that will work with us for our fashion show. I use my clock app to set alarms all throughout the day to remind me when to get things done.”
Favorite way to unwind? “Rereading my favorite books.”
A skill you wish high school taught? “How to file my taxes. This year was the first year I had to pay them, and my dad had to file for me because I had no idea what I was doing.”
Advice for incoming freshmen? “Get as involved in your school as possible. I have met my best friends from the extracurriculars I do!”
• EMMA RUCHELMAN, ALLENTOWN HIGH, ALLENTOWN:
“I am the 17-year-old captain of the varsity cross-country, winter track and spring track teams, as well as the vice president of my school’s National Honor Society. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, and also have a part-time job at Dairy Queen.”
Dream job? “Iaspire to be a chemical engineer at a biopharmaceutical company and use my love of STEM to develop cures for harmful diseases. After taking AP [advanced placement] chemistry this year, I developed a love for the subject and want to use that to help people.”
Role model? “My dad, who is a chemist at Bristol-Myers Squibb [a biopharmaceutical company] and who fostered my love of science. I can see his love for the job and the science behind it every day. He proves to me that my goals can be attained with hard work and dedication.”
How activities are prioritized: “I go right to track or cross-country practice after school, and make sure to leave myself a few hours to work on my homework and academic studies at night.”
Favorite way to unwind? “I like to read, do crafts and spend time with my friends, family and dog.”
A skill you wish high school taught? “More emphasis on real world, day-to-day life skills could be helpful.”
Advice for incoming freshmen? “Time management is key to success. Don’t procrastinate. Prioritize what needs to get done, but also leave time for breaks to recharge. Everyone also needs time to relax and have fun; don’t get so busy that you lose sight of what is important to you.”
