Clarkstown High School North Salutatorian: Don't Burn Out

CLARKSTOWN, NY — This year's valedictorians and salutatorians are an extraordinary group of young people. Patch asked them to answer a few questions about their high school experience and what they look forward to in the future.

Today, meet Corinne Cunillera, salutatorian at Clarkstown High School North, Class of 2018.

Question: What will you miss most about high school?

Answer: I will miss the friendships I have made and the invaluable relationships I have forged during my time at Clarkstown North the most. High school is a challenging environment, and school itself can be very independent, but going through this part of my life with a group of intelligent, funny, and kind peers has made my experience infinitely better.

Q: What are you looking forward to in moving on to college?

A: I am looking forward to the freedom that college offers, both academically and socially. I am so excited to be able to take classes more because they actually interest me and not because I have to. In college, I really want to focus on figuring out what my true passions are, which I believe is something that many graduating seniors still don’t know. We have spent these past four years worrying about what colleges want to see, so much so that many of us have neglected discovering what it is we actually like, what it is that actually makes us happy. I can’t wait to finally have the opportunity to explore that.

Q: What was your favorite high school class?

A: My favorite high school class was AP Literature. Not only was it fun and interactive, but it was a refreshing change from the more traditional English classes I had grown accustomed to, ones with super rigid curriculums and, at times, rote lesson plans. AP Lit focused on student participation and student-led discussions which I always found enjoyable and engaging. Also, the teacher, Mrs. Czajkowski, is a super awesome person.

Q: What clubs or extracurriculars were you involved in?

A: For the past three years, I have been a member of Clarkstown North’s varsity dance team, as well as being a World of Difference Peer Leader and Student Council Vice President since freshman year.

Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen?

A: If you can’t chill out, you will burn out. Work hard in school, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Good grades are great, and you should strive for them always, but be aware that they are not everything; the grades you receive in high school do not define who you are. At the end of the day, high school is just four years of your life, and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter all that much. Happiness comes first, always.

Q: Any teachers/staff who stood out throughout your journey?

A: Yes, Mr. Nappi, who taught my AP US History class, and Mrs. Maire, my AP World History teacher, have been my favorite teachers at North. They are kind, knowledgeable, and most importantly, super approachable.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: In ten years, I see myself working a lot, whether it be as a lawyer, or perhaps in business or finance. I would love to also be starting a family because I definitely want to be a mom, too. I really hope that throughout these next ten years, I get to travel a lot and see more of the world.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about you.

A: I grew up in New City until I was eleven, moved to West Linn, Oregon for ten months, and then moved right back to New City.