THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2022 Page 7 Q: What makes Saugus Public Schools so special that any student can receive a quality education? A: Saugus Public Schools are fi lled with teachers who care about the personal and academic growth of their students. There are some truly passionate individuals who are able to pass their love for their fi elds onto any student willing to receive knowledge. There is also a community for everyone whether you’re more in tune with academics, athletics, the arts, social justice, or anything else. Q: And, how does it feel to be a First Generation College Student? Being a first generation college student is extremely challenging, but even more rewarding. The college admissions process is daunting enough on its own and when you’re the fi rst one in your family to undergo it, you may feel discouraged at times. However, with help from counselors and teachers it becomes easier to navigate the process. Despite the diffi cult journey, the joy of gaining acceptance into college makes everything worth it. Today, I feel triumphant knowing that I’m making my family proud by being the fi rst one to attend university. Q: What is your greatest passion in life and what is your career objective? A: My greatest passion in life is that of seeking knowledge and being able to understand the experiences of others. I’ve always had a strong appreciation for various cultures whether it may be through languages, dance, food, etc. I fi nd beauty in diversity and seek to travel the world and familiarize myself with the issues plaguing other nations. In studying international and public aff airs at Brown University, I aspire to elevate my passion for human rights advocacy. From championing for the equal education of young girls to combating socioeconomic inequalities, I aim to work towards creating proper solutions for varying global issues. Q: Feel free to share your views on anything else that we didn’t cover. What would you like readers to know about you and your journey from Cameroon to Saugus, through 13 years in the Saugus Public Schools and now, onto Brown University? A: People are often quick to create a strong correlation between the school you attend, and a student’s acceptance into top colleges. I used to believe that as well, however I’ve come to realize how false that idea can be. Students are more than their gpa, class rank, or test scores. As an individual, I pride myself on my curiosity and hunger for knowledge. In my time in the Saugus Public School system there have been many setbacks, but even more lessons. Now as I head to Brown University, I’ve embraced the complexity of my diverse background and aspire to enact change beyond distant borders. 2022 Saugus High School graduation The Salutatorian Address By Lindsey Rose McGovern LINDSEY ROSE MCGOVERN: She finished as the second highest scholastically-ranked student in the Class of 2022, earning the honor to be the class Salutatorian at last Friday’s 151st Commencement Exercises at Saugus High School. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) I would just like to thank all of my family and friends who have always been there for me, and a quick you’re welcome for helping everyone with their homework in middle and high school. I stand before you all this evening as your class of 2022 student council president and salutatorian. I’ve been approached by many people last weekend saying, “Oh my gosh! You’re the salutatorian. You must be so… proud,” but am I though? Well I’m here to tell everyone how bittersweet it is to be standing up here today. I’m walking out of high school with regrets. Regrets that I didn’t go to Red Sox games with my brother because I had math homework. Regrets that I didn’t go out for Frostys at Wendy’s with my friends because I was too busy and then ended up skipping meals. Regrets that I didn’t spend enough time on my dream college application because I had prioritized that current high school grade of 100 rather than my future. Regrets that I literally didn’t just enjoy my childhood when it was right in front of me. I ranked school over having fun every single weekday, weekend, and vacation. And if I was doing something fun, I would plan out how many hours I would be sleeping that night because I remembered I had something to do for school. What did this speech and diploma cost? Everything. My hard work and achievements came at the expense of my lack of attention given to personal relationships.Nothing is more important than your relationships with friends and family. Not class rank, not a GPA, not a job. Your selfworth does not equal a grade. This may not come out so salutatorian-ish, but ditch your homework every once in a while. It is not worth getting four hours of sleep every day. Live your life before you settle down. I was too young and naive to realize these statements these past four years, but I hope this message will teach others that it is okay to take a break. Burnout is real. Senioritis is definitely real. Take that mental health break if you need it. I’ve lived in Saugus all my life and I sure didn’t love every minute of it, everything I have I owe to this town. We grew up here. All the relationships I’ve been trying to maintain have started from Saugus schools. I have a lot of memories of people: people I’ve lost LINDSEY | SEE PAGE 8
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