Gianna Michel Florida State University to study Media Miami
“I think I’ll have the biggest challenge of finding the balance between who I am and who I want to be in a new environment,” Gianna Michel said. “I usually have some big goals for myself … I think I’m going to struggle with imposter syndrome. I think I’m going to be very conflicted. I feel like I’m going to go in there with a bunch of expectations and then be disappointed when things don’t go the right way. [But] I know I will be successful and I’m really excited …”
Cherish Nichols Southern University and A&M College to study Child Psychology and Development Country Club
“I’m definitely [expecting] to face challenges moving away from home,” Cherish Nichols said. “I come from a family of multiple siblings so I always have my siblings to lean on when I need help with anything. But I really have to learn how to be independent, be very communicative with people around me because they won’t know me straight away.”
Gabriel Diaz Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study Math with Computer Science and Environmental Engineering Miami Lakes
“I’m expecting since I’m going out of state just overall becoming more independent, not only in my academics, but also as a person, going out and meeting new people especially in a new area where my family has never been before,” Gabriel Diaz said. “I feel like it’s both exhilarating but also a challenge, balancing that and rigorous academics [and] making the most out of every opportunity I get.”
Anastaia Riley University of Central Florida to study Computer Science Miami Gardens
“At this stage of life, especially since we’re graduating, a lot of seniors are expected to know what we’re going to do, expected to know what we’re going to study [and] what we’re going to be in the future,” Anastaia Riley said. “It’s definitely a lot more serious than we were expecting. Especially, I personally have two weeks to go, with the fact it’s setting in that I’m going to college. I’m not going to be around my parents anymore. And I believe all seniors, whether they’re in Miami Lakes or not, we’re going to be successful.”
Christopher Prophete Purdue University to study Mechanical Engineering Miami Gardens
“The shift from high school to college is really the fact that the people I’m around are going to be very different and the things I’m going to be doing are very different,” Christopher Prophete said. “I basically have to get over what I’ve been used to doing and be able to adjust to the changes of my new environment.”
Alexandra Herrera interviewed and photographed our Town Topics talkers. We thank you all!