Photo Credits: Anh Thai Creative
Meet Mariangeliz Medina, Valedictorian of the Class of 2025! She has earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to major in Criminology. Read on to learn about her experience at EACS, the moments that shaped her journey, and what she most looks forward to in this next chapter. We’re confident she’ll thrive wherever life leads, and we’re excited to watch her achievements unfold!
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue my higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, with a major in criminology. I hope to pursue a deeper understanding of our government and law enforcement with the goal of contributing to a better future.
What are you most excited about as you take this next step? What are you most looking forward to in life after high school?
As I take this next step forward, I am excited for the journey of learning new things and adapting to new environments. I look forward to meeting great minds that challenge me and push me towards a better version of myself. I believe that the freedom I will have in college will not change who I am, but fortify my discipline and accountability towards myself.
How do you think your time at EACS helped prepare you for what’s next?
My time at EACS has encouraged me to yearn for knowledge and what is beneficial, not because someone told me to, but because such things should be what I want for myself. I’ve learned to take responsibility for how I lead my life, knowing that it will be what I choose to make of it.
I have also learned that leaning on a community, on friends for help and support, is a beautiful thing. Not just to be cliche or overly optimistic, but when situations get tough and confusing, having people around you who will navigate the fog with you pushes you in a way that will leave you feeling stronger and accompanied.
A strong foundation is one that has proper support.
Who or what has inspired you most on your journey so far?
The mere essence of what learning is has been my motivator, my passion. I find inspiration in knowing that I can never know enough, knowing that there is still so much I do not know. I find inspiration in every person I meet; I am moved to understand, to know the things they know and I do not.
What advice would you give to younger students who are still figuring out their path?
To those who are still figuring out their paths, do not overthink it. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but I find that simply trying new things and putting yourself out there, in the open, and living in the moment will help you find what you enjoy quicker. Overthinking puts you in a spiral of confusion and frustration. It is when you have fun and realize it after that you are truly able to identify the joy in what you participated in. Once you realize it, recall the things you were good at, reflect on the things you need to work on, and take it from there.
Also, nothing will ever happen if you do not make the effort to make it happen. Motivation does not always come out of the blue; sometimes you have to push yourself through the rough patches until you find yourself back on your feet.