Working towards a career in medicine, senior Rachel Marin is forging a path to success by excelling academically, leading her class, actively participating in sports and clubs and consistently earning top honors. She was recently awarded the University at Albany Multicultural High School Scholars Award, a distinction recognizing African and Caribbean American, Latino/a, Asian and Pacific Island American, and Indigenous high school juniors from New York state who have distinguished academic records and are involved in school and community activities. Rachel has also received an AP Scholar Award, been recognized in the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program, and earned the SUNY Rockland Community College Black and LatinX Achievement Award, as well as the SUNY Rockland Community College Achievement Award, among other accolades.
Rachel has faced her share of challenges throughout her academic journey. Before her junior year, Rachel’s family moved to Tuxedo, where she had to adjust to a new high school, make new friends, and adapt to a different environment.
“At first, it was really scary,” Rachel explained, but she quickly found her place. “Everyone was so nice and made me feel welcome right away.”
Rachel also suffered a knee injury that required surgery, preventing her from participating in athletics for many months.
“I’ve come to accept the injury and see it in a positive light,” she said. By forcing herself to view the situation through a different lens, Rachel said she learned more about herself. “I strengthened my mindset by reminding myself that nothing is impossible and each day brings me closer to being 100% again.”
School Counselor Chris Oliva describes Rachel as remarkable.
“She is intrinsically motivated, which is not common in high school students. Rachel is very in tune with what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, without direction or encouragement from anyone else.”
Reflecting on her journey and her parents' sacrifices, Rachel is thoughtful. “I hope to show them that all their hard work has not gone to waste.”