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Lennie Polanco
MATCH Class of 2007
Attending Dartmouth College
Mechanical Engineering Major
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Interview with Lennie
Having almost completed your first semester of college, how are you enjoying the experience? What is your favorite part, what is your least favorite part?
My college experience has been going great so far! My campus is really small and it is in the middle of nowhere, but there is always something to do. There are limitless community service opportunities and many activities on and off campus.
The size of the campus strengthens the social atmosphere at Dartmouth. Although it is relatively small, Dartmouth is very diverse, and students have the opportunity to form relationships with people from many different backgrounds. Everyday I see the same faces when I am walking across campus and I feel that this allows Dartmouth to be a close-knit community.
What is your favorite memory from MATCH?
My favorite memory from MATCH is the people. I have fond memories not only about the students, but about the tutors, teachers, and faculty. People at school kept me motivated, and focused to do well in all my classes.
What was your funniest moment at MATCH?
The train rides home with my classmates were always fun and filled with jokes and laughter.
Who from MATCH has had the greatest impact on you, and why?
The MATCH, as a whole, played an integral role in my life. MATCH is a small school that allows students to develop relationships with others in profound ways. It provides a safe learning environment and holds high demanding standards. My classmates, teachers and tutors, together, inspired me to learn and grow. It was the uniqueness of the MATCH community that sculpted me into the man I am today.
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in the transition from MATCH to Dartmouth?
Time management. In the mid-way of my first term of college I found myself reliving my MATCH experience, in terms of too much work and not doing much outside of that. Throughout the past four years I became too familiar with a lot of work being weighed upon me and before coming to college I told myself that I was going to refrain from being stuck in that mode and find some leisure time to enjoy other activities and become more engaged in my school community and not just focus on my work. I was focusing too much on work and not really taking the time to participate in other things. My time management skills were off. I decided to make a schedule so I would not fall into a trap again, and so I can find time to enjoy college life.
How well do you feel MATCH prepared you for the college experience?
The long hours, intense work and being in an academic environment on a daily basis has allowed me to be more focused and willing to work. MATCH's school hours took up a lot of energy but it disciplined me well. I focus and spend a lot of my time on my work before anything else. The classes I took my first term of college required a lot of effort and MATCH gave me the tools I needed to persevere through my first round of college classes.
MATCH is intensely focused on academic work, and as a result, most students have little time for extra-curriculars with the assumption being that once students get to college, they will have much more time to explore any areas of interest. Have you had the opportunity to get involved with any extra-curricular programs?
I have played flag-football for an I-M league and I took part in the year book photography club. I am planning on participating in more activities and managing my time better.
If you could give one piece of advice to the current MATCH students, what would it be?
MATCH does a lot for its students and it is up to you to take advantage of this great opportunity and try your best to get through the challenging four years.
Mr. Luckett and Mr. Miranda attended Dartmouth College as well. Do you worry that there is something about the school that will cause you to adopt some of the character traits that Mr. Luckett and Mr. Miranda possess?
Well, I already surpassed Mr. Miranda in height, like all the other students at match, so I am not too worried. Just joking, but I feel there is nothing to worry about at all. Mr. Miranda and Mr. Luckett are two individuals that I have looked up to while I was a student there and I still do, well not so much Mr. Miranda - he looked up at me most of the time, but you get my point. Both of them are great teachers and individuals and I was able to develop deep relationships with them. I am proud of the relationship I have with them and I am grateful that I am following their foot-steps in attending Dartmouth.
How has MATCH supported you since graduating?
The teachers, my tutors, and Mr. Miranda are always available for me whenever I need guidance while going through some difficult times in college. I always know that they are a phone call or e-mail away.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just one quote that has helped guide me during my senior year and I would like to share it with all the students and faculty that continue to work hard in making MATCH a great institution....
"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."
-Francis Bacon
Interview conducted Winter 2007
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Past Spotlights
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Lennie Polanco Interview
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