This month's outside look features the Melanie Ortiz.

By: Lili Hovsepyan

​

Lili: What clubs are you in?

Melanie: I am Vice President of Student Government, I co-president of announcements with Serafina, I’m on President’s Council, a graphic designer at Hawkeye, I’m on Youth Group, and I’m on the Prom Committee.

Lili: How long have you been in Student Government?

Melanie: So I’ve been in Student Government for 4 years. I started as a Grade 9 rep, then I was Equity officer for 2 years and then I moved up to Vice President.

Lili: What motivated you to continue Student Government?

Melanie: Honestly, when I first joined I just had so much fun and I just wanted to run it by the time I got to grade 12. 

Lili: Well, you’re running it now and, honestly, you’re doing a pretty good job.

Melanie: Thank you, girl!

Lili: Do you feel like you’ve made a difference in the school?

Melanie: I feel like I have. I mean like throughout my 4 years I’ve gotten to know a lot of people and they’re all my friends now. Even if I haven’t done something to them directly, they still got the chance to know who I am.

 

Lili: What’s your favourite memory at Holy Cross?

Melanie: One of my favourite memories is probably playing Mafia in my Earth & Space class and spending lunches at Nonno Mario’s.

 

Lili: How would you describe the students at Holy Cross?

Melanie: Honestly, everyone’s really welcoming. They’re very social, as well.

 

Lili: What’s your greatest accomplishment in school?

Melanie: Probably my extracurriculars. Like Student Government, cause that’s a pretty big thing for me and I have a lot of pride in it.

 

Lili: Do you do any sports?

Melanie: I don’t but I’m also a lifeguard and swim instructor. I also work at a pharmacy.

 

Lili: That’s so cool! So, how do you balance school, work, extracurriculars, and the rest of your life?

Melanie: To be honest, I don’t. I’m kidding but, honestly, I made myself a schedule and I do as much as I can throughout the day. I don’t like to put a lot of stress on myself. You know? I prioritise mental health. I created my work schedule to be on certain days. During the week, I do my homework. Fridays and Saturdays are my days to go out and Sunday’s my self-care day.

 

Lili: What’s your goal? What are you working towards?

Melanie: I wanna go into nursing. I’m thinking of doing nursing at York, I got into the program there. I’m thinking of doing aesthetic nursing or paediatrics. Aesthetics are like Botox, fillers, things like that. And paediatrics is with kids. I love working with kids, they’re so cute.

 

Lili: Yeah there’s a lot of money in aesthetics.

Melanie: That’s what I’m saying! And plus I’ll get to be pretty. I’m just thinking ahead: “Oh, wrinkle? No more!”

 

Lili: What are you looking forward to this year? I know it’s almost the end but is there anything you’re excited for?

Melanie: Definitely prom. I’m so excited for prom.

 

Lili: And you get to help plan it so you can make it a better event. What’s the theme for prom?

Melanie: The Great Gatsby.

 

Lili: That’s such a good theme, I wanted that for my prom! Moving on, who are your favourite teachers and why?

Melanie: My favourite teacher is definitely Woj. I started high school in Student Government so I’ve gotten to know him personally when helping out with events, like I met his parents. 

 

Lili: I met them, too!

Melanie: Aren’t they the best? But yeah, Woj is definitely my favourite teacher because you can talk to him as a friend but you also know that he’s there as a mentor and as someone to keep you in line. But honestly, he’s actually the best. My favourite admin is definitely Ms. Di Paola. She oversees the Announcements Team. So me and Serafina have both gotten to know her personally and it’s very rewarding, especially since she’s new to the school.

 

Lili: Do you have any advice for future graduates?

Melanie: Honestly, just enjoy yourself. Like high school goes by so fast and you don’t even realise it. Enjoy every day, even those days where you’re like “Oh I hate school.” High school’s gonna feel like it’s over in 2 weeks, it goes by so fast. Like, there’s no way I’m in grade 12. I still feel like I’m in grade 9. I’m 18 now and I’m moving onto university but I’m not ready for it. So, just enjoy it while you can and savour every single moment, even the ones that you hate.

 

Lili: I’m only in grade 10 but I also feel like we’re growing up so fast.

Melanie: Yeah everything goes by so fast, it’s crazy. I don’t feel like I’m in grade 12, at all. And in my mind, I’m not leaving. 

 

Lili: Do you have any advice for grade 9 students?

Melanie: My brother’s in grade 9, so what would I tell my brother? Don’t try to grow up too fast. I know you just entered a new school and you want to be driving, partying, and doing stuff like that but enjoy being a kid. I’m still a kid right now and I’m only 3 years older but so much can happen in those 3 years and you don’t wanna miss out. You know when you’re trying to act older? Then you’ll look back and say that you miss being a kid. So, don’t try to act grown so fast and enjoy everything.

 

Lili: Any final things you want to add?

Melanie: Thank you for interviewing me! That was a big goal that I had, I wanted to be interviewed. I wanted something written about me. I really wanted it.

​