Yearbook

Time to Say Farewell

Well, it's count down to the end. My four years at Jamaica High School are just about over. As I look back, I realize that high school life wasn't all that bad. I had a rough time getting to this point, but my family friends, and teachers made it worth the while. I going to base this last literary work of my high school career on my experiences from Freshman year up to my Senior year.

"Freshman Year" - September '96, June '97

I got to admit. I was nervous my first year at Jamaica. I had never attended a public school before then. I didn't know what to expect. I was lucky, though. I discovered that some of my friends from elementary school and junior high school were in the same program I was in - The Gatewaay Program. I call it the G program for short in order to be considered "ordinary." Like all incoming Gateway students, I received a 1 to 9 period schedule, with first period reserved for Advanced research. I had Mrs. Rombone for biology and Mr. Croonquist for English. These two teachers made me feel more comfortable during my Freshman year. One thing I remember about biology is that we were allowed to take specimens home and observe them under the microscopes. In English, Mr. Croonquist did something I wiil never forget. He put the class in a circle and passed around a "maraca-type" object. We all were able to say what was on our minds without fear of being ridiculed. I think all of us needed that opportunity because even though we may say and act like we're fine, sometimes we're not. Some of us had serious problems that we needed to get off our chest. Later on in the year, I decided to give up my lunch period to take band. I love to play the saxophone so I enjoyed this class. Next, was sports. I was wanted to join the girl's basketball team, but I was scared. Of what, don't ask me. However, I did join the girl's tennis team. I didn't know how to play a lick of tennis, but I learned with the help of a good coach (Mr. Shapiro). These were the highlights of my Freshman year.

"Sophmore Year" - September '97, June '98

During my this school year, I again had a 1-9 period schedule. I was in trouble this year because I had a double period for Chemistry, first and second period, and I was not an early riser. I had compter class also - Lotus one term and Database the other term. I actually enjoyed this computer class more than the Freshman year. I couldn't take band this year because my schedule didn't seem to agree with the schedule for band classes. By this time, I had made a couple of friends inside and outside of Gateway. The "G" crew were usually broken up into two sections. The students in each section basically had the same schedule. At the end of my Sophmore year, I took the PSAT and assessment test for College Now. Some members of the "G" crew decided to take advantage of the summer programs suggested by Mrs. Durkin. Me on the other hand, decided to take art classes at Jamaica Center of the Arts. I realized in didn't want to persue computer science. Art was and still is my love, but I'm fascinated with computers. I didn't know what was in store for me next year. Party time was over.

"Junior Year" - September '98, June '99

I can't even talk about my Junior year without cringing. I thought I wasn't getting much sleep before! I again had a 1-9 period schedule, first period being College Now. It was more reading, more homework, and more tests. The first term I had Ms. Degraf for Literacy and Proproganda. I liked her class because she made it fun. Fun isn't usually what I'm expecting early in the morning. The second term I took Psychology. I found that class to be rough. Physics hung me out to dry. I had the most boring teacher anyone could have. This isn't a subject where you should have a boring teacher because that makes your grade go down even more (for lack of interest). However, I wouldn't have made it without the help of Mr. Lebovic, the best physics teacher I know. Now, here came the true test. I had Mrs. Durkin for English that year. I must say she made the class interesting, but you, in return, had to work your butt off. Around the end of October, I received word that I, along with the rest of the juniors across New York State, had to take a new Comprehensive English Regents in June. The old regents was set up so you could take it in your senior year. Now that regents was being abolished. Luckily, the juniors at Jamaica were permitted to take that old English regents in January, about two months from then. With the extra help from Mrs. Durkin, I was able to pass the old English regents. I knew then that nothing would hold me back from graduating. Once I passed the Math, History, Physics, and Spanish regents', I was free. Well, not so free.

"Senior Year" - September '99, June '00

After working for SYEP to earn a little money, I returned to school. There was a new principal in town. Secuirty was tight. Things were starting to change. Now, here comes the smack. I was too busy working and relaxing that I didn't check out any scholarships or colleges that I liked or might get accepted to. I took the SAT June of junior year and that was it. As for my schedule, I finally received a 2-9 period schedule with no Advanced Placement classes. This made my life much easier. However, I decided to take Speech as a College Now class. I needed this class to wake me up because I was messing with the real world. I filled out a couple of scholarships, visited and applied to a couple of art colleges. I decided to persue a career in computer animation. I found colleges that came close, but the Fashion Institute of Technology was the one (FIT). I felt that I wasn't ready to go away. I decided to take advertising and marketing as a major because I didn't have an art portfolio ready yet. I sent a copy of my SAT scores, the one I took in November. I was satisfied with anything over a thousand. I only received one scholarship so far, but that's okay. I can handle the tution. Senior year wouldn't be complete without the prom. I had the time of my life. Everyone looked liked superstars for a day with the limousines and fashionable clothing of the nineties. Now, all I await is graduation. I know that's going to be a tear-jerker.

I must say my four years at Jamaica are memorable. I want to thank the teachers that supported me and believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. Some of them include Mrs. Durkin, Mr. Croonquist, Mrs. Rombone, Mr. Chasanoff, Ms. Seigal, and I can't forget Mrs. Mayo. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be typing like this now. I know her students would agree with me when I say she "exceeds the definition of a teacher." Next, is my family. They were there when I laughed, put a hole through the wall, and cried. Last, but certainly not least, are my friends, old and new. The list is too long to mention every name, but I can't go without acknowledging the one's I have known since I was in first and second grade (who by the way will be standing beside me at graduation) - Crystal, Tiffany, Ashley, Joseph and Tamika. To my junior high school peoples - Lukesha and Jesus- I wish nothing but the best. To my tennis family: I'll never forget you. For all my friends I didn't mention, I love you with all my heart and I believe we will meet again someday. Hats off to the Jamaica Class of 2000!