From freshman to senior year, members of the Convent of the Sacred Heart class of 2014 have changed their study patterns, fears, academic goals and expectations for prom.  The King Street Chronicle asked seniors to reflect on their transformations at Sacred Heart.

King Street Chronicle: What were your biggest goals as a freshman?
Jane Mikus: My goals as a freshman included trying to develop a consistent studying pattern for all of my classes. I wasn’t quite used to the idea of having so many different subjects that all required a large workload, so I tried my best to balance my studying across all of my classes.
King Street Chronicle: What are your goals now?
Jane Mikus: My goals now are completely different now than when I was a freshman. Having more perspective on high school as a whole, I have now set my goals to include spending more time with my family and finding the time to enjoy myself, rather than stressing out. My days as a high school student are limited and I am now much more dedicated to enjoying them.
King Street Chronicle: What were you most afraid of when you were a freshman? Was your fear justified?
Jane Mikus: I was most afraid that I would somehow fail to meet academic expectations and end up disappointing my family and teachers. This fear was most definitely not justified as I now understand that all of the teachers at Sacred Heart are the most supportive of individuals and would never be disappointed by a student struggling academically but would rather do everything they can to help.

King Street Chronicle: What were you most excited for in high school when you were a freshman? Was it what you expected?
Phoebe Cavise: I was totally imagining that movie teenage life, where my friends and I would drive around in our convertibles and wear cool clothes. The movies never show teenagers doing homework. Clearly, unrealistic expectations.

King Street Chronicle: What were your expectations academically?
Jacqueline Thomas: Throughout my high school career, I have always strived to be an assiduous worker and receive an A.
King Street Chronicle: What are your expectations for your academic performance?
Jacqueline Thomas: My expectations have not changed, but whereas before I was more focused on the A, now I have acquired a greater desire to learn and expand my intellectual curiosity.
King Street Chronicle: What did you tell yourself you would/wouldn’t do coming into freshman year? Did you follow through?
Jacqueline Thomas: I told myself I wouldn’t become addicted to Miss Pan’s lifesaver mints…too late.

King Street Chronicle: Who was your biggest role model? Who do you want to be like now?
S M: My biggest role model was and will always be my mom. As a first generation American, I understand her struggle as a Jamaican immigrant to build a secure future for her family. When I look at my mother, I am filled with pride and joy. I am also in awe of her determination, wisdom, and love for her family. My mother inspires me to excel and to achieve the ultimate best.
King Street Chronicle: What did you want to be when you grow up? What do you want to be now?
S M: As a freshman, I wanted to be a lawyer. Now, although I am not sure of a career path specifically, I do know that my career will be in the field of humanitarianism as I am an individual who loves to help others.
King Street Chronicle: What were you most afraid of when you were a freshman? Was your fear justified?
S M: As a freshman, I was most afraid of public speaking. I would say that my fear was justified as many people are afraid of public speaking, as it is difficult to speak in front of a large group of people. Now, I am not really afraid of public speaking as I have gained exposure to various outlets to overcome this fear. In particular, participating in the Speech and Debate team has helped me to gain confidence with speaking.
King Street Chronicle: Is there anything that you have done that you never thought you would when you were a freshman?
S M: During my sophomore year of high school, for my parable theology project I did a rap in front of the classroom with two of my peers. Prior to this time, I had always loved rap and the art of poetry but I never would have imagined that I would create a rap about Jesus’ healing of the paralytic and perform it in front of the class!

King Street Chronicle: What were expectations for prom?
Kendall Calcano: Honestly, I expected CSH prom to be pretty lame just given we go to a pretty small school and we’re all girls. However, I was pleasantly surprised last year. I thought prom was so much fun.
King Street Chronicle: What do you hope will happen for your senior prom?
Kendall Calcano: I hope senior prom will be a lot of fun. Senior prom is almost like a milestone in life, my mom has showed me her senior prom pictures and has such fond memories of the night. I hope my senior prom can be something I continue to talk about for years to come!
King Street Chronicle: What were you most afraid of when you were a freshman? Was your fear justified?
Kendall Calcano: Upperclassmen. And no, my fear was not justified. As soon as I joined a sports team my fear vanished, but during the first few weeks I was SO intimidated.
King Street Chronicle: What did you tell yourself you wouldn’t do coming into freshman year? Did you follow through?
Kendall Calcano: I told myself I was going to stay organized, because that was a huge problem for me in middle school. I by no means followed through on that; it’s still an area I’m working on. Going into college I am still telling myself that same message (I seriously feel bad for my roommate next year).

King Street Chronicle: What were expectations for prom?
Amy Lafleur: Freshman year, I thought prom was going to be extremely fun and going to make my high school experience amazing.
King Street Chronicle: What do you hope will happen for your senior prom?
Amy Lafleur: That I’ll get a date.

King Street Chronicle: What were your biggest goals as a freshman?
Emily Curley: My goal was to makes friends, since I was new to CSH as a freshman. I just wanted to fit in as soon as possible.
King Street Chronicle: What were your expectations academically?
Emily Curley: I expected CSH to be very hard. When I came for the orientations and heard the seniors talk about their studies, I thought, ‘There is no way I will be smart enough to do that.’ I was terrified that I would not maintain the grades I had in eighth grade.
King Street Chronicle: What were you most excited for in high school when you were a freshman? Was it what you expected?
Emily Curley: I don’t think I was excited for anything. I was pretty bitter that I had to leave all my friends in Wilton. Coming to CSH was the best decision of my life, and I have made friends that I know will last a lifetime.
– Cheyann Greirson, Staff Writer