Kaelyn Diaz
Kaelyn Diaz will be attending Frederick Community College. She plans to become a special education teacher and psychologist. She is a member of the Class of 2022 Council, creator and President of the Hispanic Culture Club, and a part-time employee at Morgan’s Grill.
What has been your favorite memory at Linganore?
“Just creating the Hispanic culture club. It was something I thought of and dealt with for a while. I hated that feeling of not being welcomed anywhere. I created the club my junior year year but because of isolation. I only had two members. I “re-started” it again this year and we have 20 members now.”
What are you going to miss most after graduating?
“Probably my friends. I’ve had the same friend group sense 7th grade. I’ve seen them every weekend, walk and talk in the hallways, Emily Lotito is going to New York, and I am staying in Maryland. There is going to be a lot of space between us, and that’s not something we are used to.”
Do you feel pressure to have your future be decided already?
“In a way I do. From first grade and beyond, I was exposed to being in schools and being in special education classrooms, and working with students. I think in a way I was almost made or inspired to be working with children. The pressure came with colleges, not necessarily what my career is going to be.”
What is the most challenging task as a senior?
“Trying to set up your future, but also getting that last burst of maturity. You can’t go into college or a job laughing at dirty jokes. You have to go from being a teenager right into being an adult. Even in college, professors expect you to be adults. That final burst of maturity is the point where you live out your final youth in a few short months.”
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
“Don’t waste your time. Try to take classes that you find interesting. High school is the best place to figure out what you want to do. You have the option to take so many different classes. Half of your schedule can be elective classes if you plan it correctly. Take advantage of what is being offered to you. Also don’t be afraid to speak to your teachers or even older students.”
Where do you imagine yourself 10 years from now?
“I think I will be teaching. I hope to either be married or engaged. I just see myself settling down and taking advantage of having nothing holding me down. I want to be in the middle. I want to be able to have fun.”
What was the most meaningful assignment a teacher ever had you do?
“Any English class. I’ve never been really good at math, science or history. All of my English teachers have been so great. I’ve never had any complaint about them. I’ve made more friends in English classes that I have before. I’ve had Mrs. Kolias for PREP in the last three years, and I’ve learned more life skills in her class than I ever did in Independent Living.”
When you look back on this school in later years, what will you remember most?
“I’ll remember not only the fun moments that every teenagers hopes to experience, but also the moments of weakness I personally faced. I liked having the bad and good because it is a lot of learning, and I think if you don’t have that balance, you aren’t doing something right. When I think of the school, I’ll think of my growth as a person not necessarily as a student.”