Sabrina Palacios Chooses the
Ivy League
She’s a bright, inquisitive and good-natured young woman with an academic and co-curricular resume that just anyone would envy. Sabrina Palacios had an assortment of college options and after considering each one of them the teenager has decided the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is the place she wants to spend the next four years.
“I would have to say that I chose Penn for so many reasons and it would be hard for me to pinpoint just one thing I loved more than all the others,” Ms. Palacios said. “Really it was just the fact that it is the perfect university in every way. It has top-notch academics, wonderful career opportunities, a vibrant city just a block away and a diverse and sociable student body. What’s not to love?”
Ms. Palacios has earned stellar grades in Huntington High School’s most challenging courses and she has participated in the club and athletic programs, too. A familiar face in the community, the senior has been active in many different local initiatives that have brought her into contact with folks of all ages.
“What truly drew me to study at Penn was the freedom and opportunities it offers to each and every one of their students,” Ms. Palacios said. “From their extensive study abroad programs to their broad network of alumni, I’m happy to have the chance to now be a part of it all.”
The teenager plans to study in Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences as well as the highly regarded Wharton School of business and pursue a dual degree in political science and marketing. She’s also considering following a pre-law route.
“In terms of academics, what enticed me the most was the fact that Penn gives one the ability to take classes and pursue majors in more than one school within the university,” Ms. Palacios said. “I felt that this would really help me explore my interests to the fullest extent.”
A vibrant young woman
The vibrant young woman said she plans to continue her studies in Spanish and hopes to spend a semester abroad in either Spain or Argentina.
“On campus I want to get involved with their inner city mentoring program called ‘Mighty Writers,’ where they help students in West Philadelphia improve their reading and writing skills,” Ms. Palacios said. “If possible, I also want to play soccer on one of their club teams.”
Ms. Palacios has earned Blue Devil varsity soccer and spring track and field letters and developed strong relationships with her teammates. She displays an easygoing and positive personality and is always ready to help a friend in need. The teenager has also enjoyed a bond with many of her teachers.
“I’ve formed truly wonderful relationships with Mrs. [Aimee] Antorino and Mrs. [Lori] Kenny,” Ms. Palacios said. “They both have guided me throughout my entire high school experience and I couldn’t be more grateful for their help in my every undertaking. Although I am closest to both of them, I must say that I am grateful for every teacher that I’ve ever had because they have all had a lasting impact on me.”
“An outstanding student”
“Sabrina has been an outstanding student in the science research program for over three years,” Mrs. Kenny said. “She can always be seen helping her peers out with their research and loves to challenge herself with new scientific areas of research. It’s been a pleasure working with her over the years and seeing her develop into a leader and natural investigator.”
As she prepares to graduate in six months, Ms. Palacios has been spending time reflecting on her experiences over the past four years. “What will always stand out to me about Huntington is that it is its own microcosm of the real world, just inside of a high school,” she said. “In other words, every day I walk through those doors I never know what the day will hold. However, with each passing day I feel more and more prepared to handle what the real world may throw at me the day I walk out of those same doors.”
It seems like only yesterday that Ms. Palacios was making the transition from J. Taylor Finley Middle School eighth grader to high school freshman. The years have raced by seemingly in the blink of an eye.
“If I could tell a freshman what they key is to having a successful experience at Huntington it would be setting goals for yourself; short term goals and long term goals; just do it,” Ms. Palacios said. “Set your mind to something and get it done, because you can. More importantly, have confidence. Being confident in yourself and your abilities will lead you to great things.”