Q. Who are the members of your family?

A. The members of my family include my dad, Dan Albanese; my mom, Stephanie Albanese and my two brothers Marco and Emilio. We also have a German shepherd lab mix named Meeka.

Q. What have you most enjoyed about being a senior at Emmaus High School?

A. What I enjoy most about being a senior is gaining a sense of freedom as well as responsibility. Becoming independent is the first step into adulthood and should be taken seriously. Every morning I would have my Emerging Health Professionals program class and it would act as a college class. I would have time in-between those classes and my home school classes; therefore, it’s a great set up to what college is really like. I would also need to keep up with both sets of classes and be organized in scheduling and time management. The EHP program has allowed me to become more independent and to understand the necessary aspects of the college environment.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. In all my years of schooling, I have always enjoyed the sciences. Junior year, I took anatomy/physiology for the first time and loved it. I did very well in that class and I was interested in all of the material. In the Emerging Health Professionals program, I also had a more challenging and in-depth anatomy course which I grew to love even more. These various science classes have prompted a spark of interest in my future career in the health field.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. Yes, I have received several awards or recognition throughout my years of high school. First and foremost, soccer wise, I have received four varsity letters and was named captain my senior year. I also received the honor of second-team Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Allstar my junior and senior year, as well as the 2019 EPC Scholar-Athlete Award. For my academics, all four years I have exceeded a 3.8 GPA and was recognized for the Academic Excellence award and receiving honor roll.

Q. What are your favorite extracurricular activities?

A. Staying active and participating in extracurricular activities has always been important to me. Therefore, I felt as if it was necessary to join clubs and sports at the beginning of high school and work my way up to leadership roles. I joined the varsity soccer team and track team freshman year and enjoyed both very much, but decided I wanted to stay focused on my soccer career. Other than sports, I joined the pediatric cancer club, Pals club, Hornet Ambassadors, wellness fitness club and volunteered at Animals in Distress freshman year. I mostly kept up with the pediatric cancer club and eventually worked my way up to being the president. I organized many different events including the toy drive and the Gold Out football game. I wish we were able to host more events, but my time being president was one of my favorite high school memories to be able to give back to the community.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. After high school, I plan on attending Penn State University to major in kinesiology. This program gives me the flexibility to explore all realms of the health care field and I am excited about the opportunities I will be given. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I will need to apply to graduate schools in my desired career field. At this point, I plan on continuing and studying occupational therapy. The graduate programs have become increasingly more competitive; therefore, it is necessary to stay on top of my work and to take advantage of working/shadowing opportunities in my free time. I am very excited for what my future holds!

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. Today, my biggest challenge has been the pandemic and the way it has affected our community. The 2020 graduates have been stripped of their senior year, I have missed out on all senior activities that I have always been looking forward to and not seeing my friends every day. Although, through this pandemic, we have learned the importance of resilience and perseverance. Our class, having gone through this, will remember the situation we are now facing and use it to become a stronger generation.

The community has also come together to support the seniors in as many ways as possible. For instance, many members of the East Penn community took it upon themselves to start “adopt a senior.” This was such a thoughtful idea and I know every senior had a smile on their face when receiving their gift. Therefore, the hardships faced in my life have taught me valuable lessons, which will contribute to my growth as an individual.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered for being a role model to my younger classmates. By being a captain for the varsity girls soccer team, I learned the importance of setting an example and motivating each player to not be the best player on the field but motivate them to know how to work as a team toward a common goal. Leadership is the key to setting an example and should be utilized to better yourself and the people around you. I hope I have influenced a few of my teammates as well as my peers to stay active and involved in activities they are passionate about.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. The people I most admire are my parents. Without their constant support and care, I would not be the person I am today. They have given me the necessary tools to succeed and I could not be more grateful for their guidance into adulthood. In every part of my life, they played an important role not only as my parents but also teachers and friends. I have always admired their kindness, passion and unconditional love they have shown to me, my siblings and everyone close to them. I love you both!

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. The only advice I can give is to stay true to yourself and do what makes you happy. Never sway away from something that may be too difficult because with hard work anything can be reached and then succeeded. Always take time for yourself and be patient to achieve anything you put your mind to.