Submitted by Juan Lugo, Nov 16, 2007 00:35

My name is Juan Lugo. I was the first valedictorian of MBHS. I barely knew English when I came to this country. At first I thought learning English was going to be a challenge but as i started relating more with my teachers they instilled me courage and provided me with a feeling of confidence. When I used to get out of school, I would see students from other schools talking and I asked myself "when am I going to speak like that?" That question became trivial to me after I met great teachers who i consider more as friends. I learned that having an accent makes you unique and highlights your background. My accent used to be my main concern but I totally forgot about it when I started to like writing. I focused so much on writing that I became a teacher assistant for the English Regents. I worked two summers with Mr. Calovini to help students who felt the state examination. The students were not lazy. They wanted to learn English. Their only obstacle was that they had to work after school which subtracted significant hours of study. However, they did their homework and handed it in on time. We really had passion for learning.

Right now I am a freshmen (Biology) at St. John's University and I am really thankful for all the effort MBHS did for me. I will always be thankful for that and will give back.

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