Whitney M. Young High School is filled with exceptional students with their own goals, backgrounds and dreams. One of these students, Marcianni Morillo ’17, was asked to reflect about her experience at Whitney now that she is a senior getting ready to graduate.

• What neighborhood do you reside in?

I live around the Ukrainian Village area.

• What year do you graduate?

2017, duhh.

• Best part about being a Dolphin?

The best part about being a Dolphin has to be the competitive atmosphere that surrounds us everyday. I love being part of the real School of Champions, since we prove that claim time and time again. Also, Whitney Young offered me the chance to be friends with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures!

• Worst part of being a Dolphin?

Aside from all the homework, it had to be trying to be involved in everything the school has to offer. I wanted to do sports and clubs and academics but there was never enough time.

• Has there been any adversity that you have had to deal with?

Like I stated previously, the homework was at times overwhelming but I thankfully managed to get my act together.

• Any plans for the future?

First of all, graduate, but then hopefully, continue to pursue my education in college and pursue pre-med as it is one my passions.

• Any interests that you have developed?

I never thought that I would come to love lacrosse but I did, the sport is just fun and the team is extremely supportive. Also, I found out I love to perform music.

• Any undeveloped interests?

Because I love playing music I have dreamt of making my own but I haven’t had the time or the opportunity. Plus, I have always wanted to travel the world, so I still have to get that done.

• What do you spend the most time on that others might not consider productive?

Watching Netflix or going through those videos on Facebook that keep you up all night long. Darn you cute cat videos!

• Any Particular memory you have from your time in high school?

I remember witnessing my first senior blackout and being both terrified by the pounding on the school lockers and excited to be in their shoes in a couple of years, and now that I am past that point, I can say that it was one of the most exhilarating experiences I have had

• If you hadn’t been a Dolphin, where would you have gone to HS and how would that have impacted your life?

If I hadn’t been a Dolphin, I would have gone to a Catholic high school. I feel like I wouldn’t have gotten as many opportunities to figure out what I wanted to do with my future as well as discovering new hobbies and interests that shaped me to be the person I am now had I gone anywhere else. Maybe that is hindsight bias, but I believe it.

• Quote you live by or one you might suggest for others (your quote or a famous quote)?

“Be moderate in order to taste the joys of life in abundance” – Epicurus

I feel like people nowadays just want stuff, they want objects and possessions they do not need, and those people would live a better, happier life if they learnt restrain and humbleness.

Marcianni is just one of many extraordinary students that roam the hallways of Whitney Young everyday. People like her make our school the diverse and opportunity-filled setting that it is today. Perhaps it is time for us to be more friendly, more open to one another. We never know what we might learn