Maansi Amin is currently a senior at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. Over the course of her high school career, Maansi has made countless memories, participated in many activities and has constantly been an excellent student and individual.
She’s an active member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Student Council, Kennedy Cancer Society, The Torch and Heroes & Cool Kids. She’s also been in Dance Exchange since her freshman year and has been a choreographer for three years.
Next year, she will attend Rutgers Business School at the New Brunswick campus, majoring in accounting.
Let’s hear her thoughts about her high school experience, as she gets ready to say goodbye to the Mustangs.
You’re a huge Weeknd fan, but if your life had one theme song, what would it be and why?
Maansi: It would either be “LUV,” by Tory Lanez, or “Low Life,” by The Weeknd and Future. I really like those songs and the beats, and I’m always vibing to them, so I feel like those would just be my theme songs.
If you had a chance to redo your high school years, would you change anything? If you were to, what would you do differently?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything because everything that I went through shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m really thankful for that. If I had to change some experiences, I may not have been as understanding as I am right now or the person I am today. But if I were to change anything, I would go back to my sophomore year when I thought about joining track. I wouldn’t shy away, and I would actually join. Not being an athletic person held me back, which I regret.
What are some hidden hobbies or likes that most people don’t know about? What are some dislikes you have?
I just like talking a lot, so people know most of the things about me, but I really like cricket. I enjoy following cricket, and I used to try playing cricket here and there with my brother, but that ended. Other than that, I don’t really enjoy playing sports, besides pickleball. I also like making banana bread because it’s easy and tastes delicious.
Who were your favorite teachers throughout high school?
I have multiple. One of them would be Mr. Farrell. I had him in my sophomore and junior years of high school, and he’s just always there for me. He’s super easy to talk to, and I can just go yap with him, or if I need advice, he’s always there.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have always been fun to talk to. They’re super genuine and super nice.
Mr. Baginsky, I had in my junior year for AP Chemistry, and that class was hard, but he made it really fun. He’s super nice to me, caring and understanding too. He did everything to help us succeed in that class.
Then there’s Mr. Kaul. He’s a great teacher, and he’s easy to joke around with.
You’ve been part of the dance exchange since your freshman year. What sparked your interest in dance, and what made you continue to participate in the club?
I have loved dancing since I was really young. I would dance with my mom all the time, and she’s the reason I got into garba. She’s an avid dancer, and her side of the family are also all big dancers, so I would always be dancing with them. My freshman year, I joined Dance Exchange, and I almost didn’t because I was scared of what other people would think, but I’m glad I didn’t let that hold me back. I just fell in love with the club itself and being able to showcase my garba moves.
What are your feelings and thoughts about leaving high school and entering college? Are you excited or nervous?
I’m both excited and nervous. It is like, as everyone describes it, a bittersweet moment. I’m going from my sheltered area to having to figure things out on my own. I’m also dorming in my first year, so I got a lot more independence and it’s a lot of responsibility for myself. It’s nerve-wracking, leaving your comfort environment for a bigger one, but I’m excited to see what the future has in store for me.
What were some of your favorite highlights from high school?
Honestly, all the school dances that I’ve been to were so much fun. My entire friend group would be on the dance floor, we’d be going crazy, having fun and dancing the night away. I loved all the school dances, and some of the volleyball games were also really fun, especially this year, just because the student section is always going wild. Obviously, some of the football games, too, because of the student section, but my most favorite part were the dances.
What are three items you would put in your senior year survival kit?
My AirPods because I need music to get through the day. My phone, because how else would I listen to music? Also, an oversized hoodie or a blanket, because I need something cozy sometimes, and it gets really cold.
If you had to describe your high school experience in three words, what would they be?
Maturing, exciting, and stressful.
What is a piece of advice you would give to the incoming freshman?
Make sure you cherish every moment and just live in the moment. As much as grades are important, time does fly, so make the most of it.
JFKMHS and The Torch wish Maansi the best of luck on her journey after graduating.
