Mari Andrzejewski, St. Joseph High School, Trumbull
Destined for the University of Pennsylvania’s nursing program, Mari Andrzejewski secured her spot at the top of her class at St. Joseph High School with a GPA of 103.87. Andrzejewski served on the student council at the private Catholic school in Trumbull, co- founded its nonprofit coffee shop Cup o’ Joe Cafe and was a member of numerous honor societies.
Q: What life lessons stand out most to you over the past few months?
A: The most important lesson that I have learned over the past few months is that success is not measured by the amount of praise and recognition that you receive.
This year did not go as every single member of the class of 2020 expected; although this may be the case, that does not mean that their hard work and dedication was for nothing. Just because you do not get a graduation ceremony, or a prom, does not mean that you have not worked hard enough. It is so important to understand that the first person to please is yourself. Only you know how hard you have worked; the current circumstances should not take away your pride in your accomplishments.
This also goes for all essential workers; they also have been working tirelessly before and during the pandemic. We gained a greater understanding and appreciation for their work and services now, but that does not mean that their work was not important before COVID- 19.
These past few months have helped us all realize that we determine our own worth and that cannot be taken away from us.
Q: What’s something that people get wrong about you and your classmates based on your age?
A: I think that a lot of people are quick to assume that technology has destroyed our generation’s relationships and our concept of reality. While in many cases that can be true, and I am not the most avid technology user, I think that our stereotype does not accurately represent our class or our generation.
Throughout this pandemic, people have turned to social media to be innovators, educators, business leaders, and emotional supporters. We have become MORE connected with each other, if anything.
Sometimes it can be mindless scrolling, but there is a vast majority of teenagers who use it to learn, grow, love, and become better citizens in the way that people of past generations have.
Q: What will you miss most about your hometown and Connecticut? And what are you most looking forward to?
A: I am going to miss the familial aspects of my town and my high school. It has always been nice to know that everyone around me supports me and that they have my support in return.
I am also going to miss the proximity to New York City, and other nice cities around me.
As for college, I am very excited to step out of my comfort zone and into a new city and a different learning environment. Overall, I am looking forward to connecting with others, learning about my future career as a nurse, and pursuing different opportunities that will allow me to help others.