“Scituate is like a family, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
Rachael Pietrantozzi
Elementary School: Hope Elementary School
CTE Pathway: Biomedical Pathway
Post High School Plans: I plan on attending the University of Rhode Island and I am majoring in Elementary and Special Education.
Dream Job: After college, I hope to become a third grade teacher. My goal of becoming a teacher will be an amazing experience that will affect and help many children in the coming years. I will be able to contribute and make a difference in the lives of so many. I am also hoping to go back to school to study either psychology or social work. I would still continue to make an impact, but on a greater scale.
Who was your favorite teacher or staff member during your time at SHS?: When asked who my favorite teacher was during my time at SHS, a few names come to mind. Mr. Bagley, Mr. Brown, Mr. Wentworth, and Mrs. Roberge are some of the most amazing teachers and people I have ever met. Mr. Bagley teaches English and I had him during my junior year. He has always supported me and encouraged me in all my work. He has also played a big role in my choosing to become a teacher. Mr. Wentworth is also one of the most supportive people ever. If I’m having a bad day or I seem off, he notices immediately and genuinely cares about my answer and if I’m okay. I have had him every year of high school in different science classes. Mr. Brown was my gym teacher for many years and just recently became my high school soccer coach. The team started to call him the “soccer dad” because of how much he cares for, supports, and listens to us. Mr. Brown has not only helped me further my soccer skills, but has also helped me grow as a person, leader, and teammate. Last but not least is Mrs. Roberge. I had her my freshman year for my first Biomed class, and have had her as a mentor and advisor for HOSA club each year. Mrs. Roberge has always supported me no matter what, especially when I didn’t choose the medical field. She has guided me in everything that I do in and out of HOSA club, and I truly do not know what I would do without her.
What was your most favorite class you took during your time at SHS?: My most favorite class that I took during my time at SHS was AP Language and Composition with Mr. Bagley. I have always enjoyed writing and English but after taking this class, I have an even greater appreciation for them. After developing a good relationship with my teacher, it was easy to learn and engage in the class. He always put our writing to the test with fun new prompts and assignments applicable to real life in hopes of piquing our interests and inspiring us. A specific topic that I will always remember is Global Citizenship. It may not seem super fun from an outside perspective, but after writing this essay I knew exactly what I wanted to do in the future. I went on to talk about what we hoped our place would be in the world, or what kind of impact we wanted to make. In my eyes, global citizenship included people of all ages doing their best to do everything in their power for different organizations, groups of people within their community, or even other countries. This concept comes from people with the same morals as myself, which includes kindness and an urge to help others. Along with this idea comes that of wanting to change the world and make a tremendous impact on the way we live. It does not include selfishness or the need to do everything for oneself: it is very much the opposite. I believe that writing and exploring this essay topic last year gave me the confidence to decide that I want to teach in the future.
What advice would you give to next year’s ninth-grade students?: The advice that I would give to next year’s ninth-grade students coming to SHS is to stop worrying so much. I spent my first couple years of high school worrying about every single detail of my life, as well as constantly seeking academic validation. Don’t get me wrong, your education is extremely important, but it does not take precedence over your mental health. Once I learned that school is not absolutely everything, I was able to take more time for myself and my friends. As cliche, as it sounds, high school goes by in what seems like a blink of an eye. Make sure to take it all in and appreciate every second. Make sure to have fun with your friends, and work hard in and out of school. Most importantly, make sure to take time for yourself. There is no shame in staying home on the weekends to snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie. Do whatever makes you comfortable and happy.
What makes SHS special?: Having lived in Scituate my entire life, I am confident when I say that it will always hold a special place in my heart. I watched my siblings go through SHS, and now I am finally finishing up my time here. It is bittersweet, to say the least, and I could cry thinking about leaving. I think what makes Scituate so special is how close everyone is. We are so small, and so everyone knows everyone. I think that is what makes it so hard to leave. Scituate is like a family, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.