Daylin Arellano is a 17-year-old senior at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. She participates in several extracurriculars such as the International Thespian Society, Music Honor Society, Guitar Club, Choir, Theatre and FCCLA.
Arellano loves everything about fashion, especially crocheting. Her unique sense of style comes from thrifting.
Nevertheless, she wishes to pursue a career in storytelling or writing after graduation.
What are two pieces of advice for incoming freshmen?
Daylin: Honestly, take your time…everyone feels so rushed to do so much at the same time, and don’t put too much on your plate. The amount of people I see burnt out by junior year is very high. It gets worse and worse over the years.
What inspired you to join the choir and musical?
I started taking theatre classes sophomore year, so when I saw the musical, I wanted to do it. Junior year, I decided to try out for it because I did the fall play a few months prior. For choir, I had my friend Gabby always talk about it. After joining the musical, I wanted to get confident in my singing. The community and seeing the potential they [choir] have struck me.
If you could repeat one of your high school years, what would it be and why?
Honestly, maybe this year… I wished I stepped out of my bubble a bit more. I know I did a lot more compared to other years, but I could’ve done more. Also, I would try a lot more… this year I got lazy.
Are there any teachers who positively impacted your education?
I’ve had a handful of teachers who created a positive impact. Starting sophomore year, it would be Ms. Montalvo and Ms. Santana. Ms. Montalvo really pushed me and told me there was nothing to be nervous about. Ms. Santana pushed me to be in the fashion show. After that, I made garments and clothes. Mr. Koch… I had him for English my junior year. He sees his students and our generation instead of viewing us as dumb teenagers. Mr. Kaul… had him for history. He was very supportive when I was going through a tough time. Then there is Mr. Casem, he’s a funny teacher but encouraging to all his students.
Out of all your extracurriculars, which one is your favorite?
I would say ITS [International Thespian Society], we had this competition on January 6. I signed up for it and I didn’t think anything of it. But then, they [judges] wanted to see me again. People in the club being proud of me changed my perspective and it boosted my ego.
Who would you have a sit-down dinner with?
Enya Yumazor, she’s a YouTuber and used to be popular on Vine. I looked up to her because she wasn’t an academic weapon… just focused on her friends and living her life. I would ask about her teenage years because she was on the internet.
Name three things you can’t live without.
Books, I’m a big reader… books have created such a positive impact. It has helped me articulate things I always wanted to say. Thrifting, many of my clothes are thrifted or second-hand garage sales. It helped me create statement pieces. Music, it’s honestly the same thing as books. People who love music should try to read more because they go hand in hand. My favorite artists are Bon Iver, Hozier, Phoebe Bridgers, Elliot Smith, Jeff Buckley, Fiona Apple. Often music is used to express sadness or grief, but those beautiful pieces can evaluate your mood.
