I asked Academic Magnet students about their reflections on the present, aspirations and dreams, and advice for their future selves through a survey, and these are the responses.
Reflecting on the Present
How do you want to be different from the person you are today?
Overall, respondents said they want to gain certain characteristics such as being more mature, happier, kinder, more confident, independent, and self-sufficient in the future. Respondents also want to gain more knowledge as well as become stronger physically. Taking risks and having a unique personal style was mentioned as well. Finally, one respondent noted that they want to be closer to God.
What are your biggest worries right now?
Overall, students were mostly worried about one thing: not being successful and their future in general. Additionally, college, although bringing excitement, can also tend to bring anxiety with all the new people and roommates that can come along with it in addition to the general new place and experience. War is another worry for students, along with final exams. Having trouble finding a job worries another.
What brings you joy currently?
Loved ones, friends, family, and pets bring Academic Magnet students joy. Subjects like natural science and school overall also made respondents happy. Activities such as listening to music, running, planning, playing games and sports, meeting strangers, laughing, making money, reading, drawing, going to crochet markets, going to the beach, participating in ping pong club, and not having school work were mentioned as well.
“I find joy in looking through my memory box and reading old letters people wrote me, or finding my old athletic awards. I like looking through photos and seeing how my friends and I have changed over the years. I have recently become very fond of sitting with my parents and dog every night and watching a show while bedazzling random things.” – Julia Koch, 12
“Playing with Sprocket, reading in the rain, finishing a new sketch im proud of, waking up and realizing it’s the weekend, the feeling after a workout” – Tillyah Cutler
What is a controversial opinion that you have right now?
Logan D’Agostino (12) explains his opinion that he does not believe couples having solo spaces in their house is unhealthy because “everyone needs recharge time and there are times where that means affection from a partner, friend, family member and sometimes you just need to chill alone for a bit to bounce back.” Thomas Hurst notes his belief that Playboi Carti is the best artist of all time. Tillyah Cutler explains that apple seeds do not taste bad. Rajdeep Palit explains that college should be free, which I agree with.
“Everyone is deserving of love and compassion.” – Julia Koch, 12
Aspirations and Dreams
What job do you see yourself doing in the future?
An orthodontist, a movie director, a defense attorney, a child psychologist and other various jobs interested by students. Kate Selvitelli, a senior here at AMHS, explains she wants to be a Human Rights Lawyer for the United Nations. I’m sure she is very capable and will fight for many people’s rights in the future, and I look forward to seeing all the great work that students here do.
What are three major goals you hope to have achieved by the time you read this?
Here are the goals of respondents:
- Go to a good college
- Qualify for ISEF
- Win USAPHO gold
- Make a personal short film and get a movie in the theatres
- Gain connections
- Run a 22 minute 5K
- Be rich, for themselves and others
- Be independent
- Be satisfied with life
- Read more books
- Expand their crochet business
- Find people who make them genuinely happy
- Continue fighting for the rights of others in different areas of the world
- Backpack across Europe and Asia
- Get their driver’s license
- Get an album out
- Get a 1600 on the SAT
- Get a second dan in Taekwondo
Advice and Wisdom
If you aren’t where you wanted to be, what do you need to remember?
Keep trying, you are loved, asking for help is an option, and “get money” are reminders from students. Another common response was to get back up no matter how many times you fall down. Another states the very important message that nothing lasts forever.
“There is still time, and there is still success in failure. A life lived is not a life wasted. The most important thing is to look back and have positive memories to take with you.” – Julia Koch, 12
“Your parents have a basement but Kaden’s probably already in it so you better step up or get stuck with him.” – Tillyah Cutler
What is the best piece of advice you can give yourself right now?
Overall, the biggest piece of advice students give themselves is to keep trying even when it gets hard and never give up. Focus on the goal and keep persevering and it will all work out, says many respondents.
“Everything has a way of working out, so I just need to take a break and let it” – Kate Selvitelli, 12
“Do not stress over what you cannot control.” – Tolly Gerken
“Working hard now, sacrificing what may be fun a few times will pay off in the long run. At the same time, take time for yourself and create memories full of adventure.” – Julia Koch, 12
What is a lesson you have learned recently that you want to make sure you still apply in the future?
Students say dreams take action, the people around you are a reflection of yourself, and procrastination just makes things worse. Don’t rush things, good things take time. Finally, the only opinion that matters is your opinion of yourself.
“No matter how hard things get, or how stuck you may feel, remember time is always passing. Every second that goes by is a second closer to happiness, to success, and to the finish line.” – Julia Koch, 12
“Make sure you see ALL the perspectives. Control your anger, regret, and shame and understand the world around you and the perspectives of others.” – Logan D’Agostino
Overall, what keeps Magnet students going is perseverance and never giving up.
