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Denisse Martinez
MATCH Class of 2006
Attending Smith College
Biology Major
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Interview with Denisse
How well do you feel MATCH prepared you for college?
MATCH prepared me a great amount; one of the ways is boosting my confidence level with school work and the ability of getting it done. Last semester I had many instances where I wanted to give up and not continue the class even though I liked it. I persevered in my Biology class; I'm very thankful for the challenges that I had at MATCH because they are helping me deal with some of the challenges that I'm facing as a freshman.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in the transition from high school to college?
My biggest challenge was time management. Time management was the biggest struggle of all. My schedule was really flexible and I had to learn how to manage my time without the help of tutors or teachers guiding me. I was too dependent on my tutor during my senior year.
What is your most memorable moment from MATCH?
My most memorable moment was learning how to do the polyp and the medusa with Mr. Liebeck. He has good teaching skills; his class dynamic was very intriguing. His class was one of the reasons why I decided to pursue a biology major.
If you could give one piece of advice to all the current MATCH students, what would it be?
Don't underestimate yourself. When you think you cannot do it...think twice because everything is reachable...you just have to work hard for it. Also, be thankful for the education that you are given because not many people are blessed like you.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself going to Harvard Medical School and finishing my first year as a medical student. Also, I see myself with a very good job that will help me pay my Smith loans and the upcoming loans that I will have, lol.
How has MATCH contributed, or not contributed, to either creating this five-year plan or to preparing you to fulfill this five-year plan?
MATCH has contributed by giving me a job during the summer and also encouraging me to continue pursuing my dream in medicine.
What is your funniest memory from MATCH?
I have many funny moments but the best one was when Mr. Dupuis did the hair dance to the tutor and they fell for it.
Who from MATCH has had the greatest impact on you, and why?
Every teacher and staff member has made an impact on me, but the greatest one is Mr. Sposato. He is a tremendous man, God bless him. He was there through thick and thin, and I love him for that. He helped me realize many things and for that, I'm the person that I am today.
How has MATCH supported you since graduating?
MATCH has supported me by giving me great teachers and tutors that I know I can count on and ask for help when I need it. My relationship with the MATCH staff is great and I won't change it for the world. I feel like this is my second home, I truly didn't believe that a high school could make a great impact on a person's life.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want to say that if I did not attend the MATCH School, my standards and the level of education would have turned out really different. I thank the MATCH School for challenging me in every aspect of the word and teaching me how to have courage, discipline and perseverance in my educational life.
Interview conducted Winter 2006-2007.
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Past Spotlights
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Denisse Martinez Interview
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